“We will carry out a campaign characterized by shock, by surprise, by flexibility ... and by the application of overwhelming force.”
- CENTCOM commander General Tommy Franks commenting on the conduct of Operation: Iraqi Freedom, March 21st, 2003
The Ratel was designed by the South Africans to replace the British Saracen, when it became clear that political considerations might place future supplies in jeopardy. The prototype appeared in 1976, with the first production vehicles arriving just a year later. Designed specifically for South African needs, the vehicle has an exceptional range (needed for large-scale anti-guerilla operations in the vast expanses of Africa) with excellent mobility, armor, and firepower. It has seen extensive service in combat, being used for counter-insurgency raids in Namibia and Angola, anf has been exported to Morocco for similar duties. Variants include the Ratel 60, which is equipped with a 60mm mortar, the Ratel 90, which mounts the 90mm gun, and the Ratel repair, which is optimized for field work. Ship Date: Summer 2010.
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