Faction: SADF / SANDF
“Rooikat” The African Caracal

The Rooikat, which means “Caracal” or “Red cat” in Afrikaans, is a South African armoured reconnaissance vehicl

Faction: SADF / SANDF
“Rooikat” The African Caracal

The Rooikat, which means “Caracal” or “Red cat” in Afrikaans, is a South African armoured reconnaissance vehicle designed primarily for anti-tank and fire support roles. It features a stabilised 76 mm high-velocity gun based on the Oto Melara 76 naval gun and has been in service with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) since 1987. Development began in the mid-1970s as part of the New Generation Armoured Car project to address the limitations of earlier vehicles like the Eland-90, which were inadequate against tanks during operations such as Operation Savannah in 1975 and Operation Askari in 1984. After testing several prototypes, the Cheetah Mk2 was selected in 1984 and renamed Rooikat, with production starting in 1987 and mass production in 1990.

A. General

E. Mobility

F. Protection

G. Main Armament