While the original plan called for 238 units, financial and production delays have scaled that number down to 88. Only a few pre-production units have been delivered, and large-scale deployment remains uncertain. The Democratic Republic of the Congo maintains a force of 207,580 personnel, including 166,580 active troops, 31,000 reservists, and 10,000 paramilitary members. In a $70 million agreement with Abu Dhabi’s International Golden Group, the DRC has acquired over 100 Kasser II armoured vehicles. These mine-resistant units, some armed with 20 mm cannons or 12.7 mm machine guns, are designed for operations in combat zones. Around 80 units had been delivered by mid-2025, with deployment focused on the conflict-ridden eastern regions. Ethiopia maintains a standing force of 162,000 active personnel, with no paramilitary or reserve components. Ranked 49th globally in military capability, Ethiopia’s defence budget stands at US$888 million. Recent modernization efforts include the acquisition of Calidus MCAV-20 vehicles from the United Arab Emirates and Despot armoured vehicles from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ethiopia has also procured SH-5 155 mm self-propelled guns from China. These purchases reflect broader regional trends in defence modernization, motivated by domestic instability and geopolitical tension. Angola’s armed forces include 107,000 active troops and 10,000 paramilitary personnel, for a combined total of 117,000. The country approved a $36 million deal in 2025 with China’s state-owned CATIC for military equipment, under a broader strategic cooperation framework signed in 2021. The deal, which includes 85% financing support, aims to upgrade Angola’s national defence capabilities and demonstrates the country’s commitment to aligning with international defence standards. It also signals growing military ties between Angola and China, particularly in infrastructure and capability development. Sudan’s total military strength is estimated at 194,500, including 92,000 active troops, 85,000 reservists, and 17,500 paramilitary forces. Despite ongoing civil conflict and political instability, Sudan continues to receive foreign-supplied ground systems through a variety of channels. However, the details of these deliveries remain opaque due to their sensitive and politically charged nature. Sudan’s annual defence expenditure is estimated at approximately US$300 million. Tunisia fields a force of 101,800 military personnel, composed of 89,800 active troops and 12,000 paramilitary forces, without any reserve component. Ranked 74th globally, Tunisia allocates US$1.26 billion annually to defence. In early 2025, Tunisia received the first batch of Masstech T4 armoured vehicles from France, aimed at boosting internal security and enhancing border protection. On December 4, 2024, the U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of 184 Javelin FGM-148F anti-tank missiles, valued at US$107.7 million. The deal, managed by Lockheed Martin and RTX Corporation through the Javelin Joint Venture, aims to further modernize Tunisia’s ground forces and strengthen strategic military ties with the United States. The Zambia Army is undertaking a modernization drive, aiming to enhance its capabilities by adopting technological advancements. This initiative aligns with a directive from the Republican President and Commanderin-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. The army is studying Ethiopia’s defense forces as a model for this modernization, particularly their success in upgrading obsolete military equipment Botswana became the first African nation to acquire the French-made VL MICA air defense missile system in 2020. In addition to the missile system, Botswana also procured 45 Piranha armored personnel carrier (APC) vehicles. The acquisition of these systems indicates Botswana’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities and enhance its air defense.