Chad parades new howitzers

A still from Chadian television coverage of the anniversary parade showing two Norinco AH4 towed howitzers with the Rapid Intervention Force (FIR) contingent. (Office National des Médias Audiovisuels (Chad))

Chinese-made 155 mm AH4 lightweight towed howitzers are in service with the Chadian National Armed Forces (ANT), it was revealed when two featured in a parade marking the country's 65th anniversary of independence.

Towed by Renault trucks, the two AH4s were in the Rapid Intervention Force (FIR) contingent of the parade rather than with the regular ground force's artillery section, which displayed four old 122 mm D-74 field guns.

The ANT is only the second state military confirmed to operate the AH4, the other being the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces, which may have transferred some to allied forces in Yemen.

The other confirmed AH4 operator is Sudan's rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which abandoned several when it retreated from Omdurman earlier in 2025. The ones recorded in Omdurman were painted green like those in the Chadian parade, while the ones used by the UAE are a tan colour.

The FIR is a new force that participated in the annual parade for the first time in 2024, although unusually no vehicles or heavy equipment were included in that event.

“A symbol of efficiency and speed, this elite corps made a strong impression with its elements wearing helmets and balaclavas worthy of special forces, supported by snipers wearing their camouflage,” the president's office said about the FIR's inaugural parade appearance.

The FIR contingent in 2025's parade also had several types of 4×4 light armoured vehicles that were partially covered by camouflage nets, making their identification harder.