It would seem the Dominican Republic is now equipping to prevent or confront an invasion of Haitian gangs. The equipping has taken place in the Abinader administraiton, as previously the Armed Forces did not have any equipment to tackle security challenges from Haiti. During the recent presentation of the equipment, the press releases did not specify the concerns beghind the mega expenditures for defense.
President Luis Abinader and Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, presented the comprehensive military upgrades underway, part of a progressive plan to bolster the nation’s institutional defense capabilities.
The military equipment is intended to reinforce the strategic framework of the national defense system, specifically targeting improvements in command, control, communications, and cyber defense.
Lieutenant General Fernández Onofre emphasized that this rollout is only the beginning of a phased procurement process aligned with the government’s long-term institutional strengthening goals.
President Luis Abinader presided over the official handover of a specialized military hardware suite to the Dominican Republic’s Armed Forces. The procurement centers on the “Furia” armored vehicles, designed to enhance troop mobility and protection in high-risk operational areas. Beyond ground transport, the delivery included advanced surveillance systems and tactical gear aimed at strengthening border security and internal stability.
The “Furia” vehicles are built in Santo Domingo and are equipped to navigate rugged terrain while providing ballistic protection for personnel.
The recent delivery of equipment is designed to significantly increase the operational capacity of specialized tactical units. The new arsenal for the tactical units include:
40mm automatic grenade launchers
Light machine guns of various calibers
High-precision rifles and carbines
Another cornerstone of this phase is the integration of advanced technological surveillance systems. According to the Minister, this includes the deployment of autonomous reconnaissance drones for terrestrial, maritime, and strategic monitoring.
To counter modern aerial threats, the ministry has also introduced anti-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) systems capable of detecting, identifying, and jamming unauthorized drones that may pose security risks.
The Ministry of Defense initiative is part of a broader multi-year plan to revitalize the country’s defense infrastructure, ensuring the military is equipped with 21st Century technology to meet evolving regional security challenges.
Following the story in Spanish:
Presidency
Hoy
El Nacional
Hoy
Bill Lockward on the Furia
Ministry of Defense
18 February 2026