| VN22 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Armoured fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2023–present |
| Used by | SeeOperators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Norinco |
| Manufacturer | Norinco |
| Produced | 2021–present |
| Variants | SeeVariants |
| Specifications | |
| Crew | 3 |
| Passengers | 8 |
Main armament |
|
Secondary armament | |
| Suspension | wheeled 6x6 |
TheVN22 is a family ofChinese wheeled6x6armoured fighting vehicles intended for export. Designed and produced byNorinco, it was first unveiled at the 13thChina International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in 2021.[1]
The VN22 was developed by Chongqing Tiema Industrial Group, a subsidiary of Norinco, as the successor to the WZ551 series of wheeled armored vehicles that had been exported to over 30 countries since the 1990s.[2] Development began in 2018, with the design team focusing on addressing feedback from existing WZ551 operators regarding insufficient protection, simple fire control systems, and inadequate engine power.[2] The vehicle was designed with a modular architecture to accommodate various mission requirements through different weapon stations and armor configurations.[3]
Like many contemporary wheeled AFVs, the design of the VN22 is split into three main sections. The front situates both the driver, along with the engine that is mounted in a separate compartment to the right of the driver. The middle houses both the commander and the operator of theremote controlled weapon station mounted on top of the hull. The rear space is reserved for accommodate for up to eight mounted infantry.[4]
The first VN22 shown atZhuhai Airshow 2021 was armed with the UW5 remotely operated turret housing a 30 mmautocannon and twoanti-tank guided missiles on a retractable mount that is protected inside the turret when not in the firing position.[5] Both the gunner and commander are equipped with independent panoramic sights with thermal imagers.[1]
Since the VN22 was designed to be modular, the platform can be mounted with a variety of different turrets offering various weapon configurations.[6]
The vehicle hasappliqué armour plating covering the majority of the vehicle. When fully equipped, they give the vehicle the ability to protect against 14.5 mmamour-piercing rounds from all directions.[7] The VN22 also features a V-shaped hull for enhanced protection againstlandmines andIEDs.[8]
In terms of active protection, the vehicle is equipped with 10smoke grenade dischargers on the front of the turret. The VN22 is also equipped with the GL6 hard-killactive protection system (APS), with one launcher containing two charges being mounted on top of both sides of the turret.[9] The GL6 is similar in both form and function to comparative active protection systems, such as theIsraeliIron Fist.[1]
Burkina Faso -Burkina Faso Armed Forces: Approximately 25 units received in 2024.[13] Unknown quantity of VN22B delivered in 2025.[14]
Iraq -Iraqi Ground Forces: Manufactured locally under license. Localised variant features a manned, open-top turret armed with a12.7 mmCS/LM5 heavy machine gun.[15]
Ivory Coast -Armed Forces of the Republic of Ivory Coast: 6 VN22B.[16]
Mali -Malian Armed Forces: VN22 and VN22B received in 2025.[17][18]
Senegal -Armed Forces of Senegal: 1 VN22 ARV, 1 VN22 Ambulance, 3 VN22B.[19]| Main battle tank andLight tanks |
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Note:x = retired from service or has ceased development | ||||||
