The Spanish Provincial Reconstruction Team carries out reconnaissance activities to assess damaged infrastructures in the area of Moqur using the new RG-31 vehicle Nyala for the first time.

QAL´EH-YE NOW, Afghanistan--(Mar 23 2010). – Yesterday, 22nd of March, the Spanish Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) deploy in Badghis province, and led by Colonel Martin Bernardi, carried out a first reconnaissance in Moqur district with new vehicle Nyala, in order to evaluate the damages suffered by a bridge on road between Qal´eh-ye Now and Moqur, damaged by a truck vehicle of TF Columbus during an insurgence attacks in last year, and also damaged by the floods that occurred in the past months, to explore ways to repair it in order to improve the freedom of movement in the area.

In these activities the new Nyala RG-31 vehicle was used for the first time, moving a civic-military team, along with several elements of security and support. The new vehicles Nyala responded perfectly to the operative requirements. There were not incidents during this operation. The Spanish unit was very welcomed by the local population that was still celebrating the New Year Namruz.Nyala RG-31 Mk.5E with has a remote-controlled turret gun Samson. The version of the Spanish Army carries a 5-speed motor, has a range of 700 km with a maximum speed of 90 km / h and exceeds gradients of up to 25% positive and 60% negative. It can also be transported in Lockheed C-130 Hercules. It acquired three variants: transportation of personnel (85), ambulance (10) and command post (5). The vehicles are assembled at the factory in Spain General Dynamics “Santa Barbara Sistemas de Alcalá de Guadaira” (Sevilla) from parts manufactured by the company BAE Systems South Africa. The RG-31 Nyala ( "antelope" in Afrikaans) is a multi-purpose mine-protected vehicle made by BAE Systems Land Systems OMC (formerly Land Systems OMC) in South Africa, based on the Mamba APC TFM Industries.The monocoque chassis "V" Welded steel and high suspension of the vehicle.The RG-31 multi-purpose vehicle was chosen as the UN and other peacekeeping and security forces. This vehicle recognizes the needs of NGO vehicles to protect its personnel against the threat of landmines and both offer a non-aggressive appearance.