Despot (Serbian Cyrillic: Деспот) is a multi-functional armoured vehicle developed by the arms manufacturer Tehnički remont Bratunac in Bratunac, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| Despot | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Armoured personnel carrier |
| Place of origin |  Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Service history | |
| Used by |  Police of Republika Srpska |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Tehnički remont Bratunac |
| Manufacturer | Tehnički remont Bratunac |
| Produced | 2019–present |
| No. built | ~22[3] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 12 tonnes 14 tonnes (max)[4] |
| Length | 6.05 m (19 ft 10 in) |
| Width | 2.56 m (8 ft 5 in) |
| Height | 2.70 m (8 ft 10 in) |
| Crew | max. 9 (3+6)[5] |
| Armor | STANAG 4569 Level 2; ballistic and anti-mine protection |
| Engine | Mercedes-Benz 7.2 engine 240 kW (322 hp) |
| Suspension | 4×4 wheeled |
| Maximum speed | 120 km/h |
The vehicle can be used for police and military purposes. Its main roles are patrol and reconnaissance missions, commanding, transport and support of special operation units, medical purposes, counter-terrorism operations and peace action in cases of different weather conditions.[6]
A prototype was unveiled to the public on January 9, 2019 during the annual Republic Day parade in Banja Luka. The first two serially produced models were procured for the Training Center of the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska in Zalužani, near Banja Luka, where the vehicles will be stationed for the purposes of the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit.
It has been reported that countries such as Namibia, Tanzania, Israel and Russia have expressed interest in the vehicle.[7]
In 2021, one vehicle was armed with a 12,7mm turret and four with 7,62mm turrets produced by South African defence mannufacturer Dynateg International PTY.[8]
Users
edit
Ethiopia – 10 vehicles delivered (five in 2022 and five in 2023).[2]
Republika Srpska – Republika Srpska's Special Anti-Terrorist Unit operates 12 vehicles. The delivery of 30 vehicles was originally planned but was halted by EUFOR on the grounds that it would disrupt the balance of power between Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Kako sam od propale firme napravio svetskog izvoznika | Slaven Ristić | Biznis priče 44 Biznis Priče. 13 February 2022. Accessed 1 September 2024.
- ^ a b Radić, Aleksandar (July 27, 2024). "Bratunačka oklopna vozila u Etiopiji". Balkansec.net (in Bosnian). Retrieved July 28, 2024.
- ^ 12 made for Republika Srpska[1] and 10 for Ethiopia.[2]
- ^ "Tehnicki Remont Bratunac delivers Despot armored vehicles to Bosnian Serb Republic police". Army Recognition. August 6, 2019.
- ^ "Poseta Tehničkom remontu Bratunac". YouTube, channel Dum Dum (in Serbian). March 27, 2019.
- ^ "Dva "Despota" stigla u MUP RS". Alternativna televizija (in Serbian). August 2, 2019.
- ^ "MUP RS-a dobio dva oklopna vozila "Despot"". YouTube, channel BHRT – Radiotelevizija Bosne i Hercegovine (in Serbian). August 2, 2019.
- ^ "Naoružanje iz Afrike za vozilo Despot". Balkanska bezbednosna mreža (in Serbian). March 31, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.