VN22
| Industry | Defense manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Armoured combat vehicles, including VN22 series |
The VN22 represents a series of Chinese 6x6 wheeled armoured combat vehicles developed by Norinco specifically for international markets. Its first public appearance was at the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in 2021.
Design
Following a typical configuration found in contemporary wheeled AFVs, the VN22 is divided into three main compartments: the front section contains the driver and a separately mounted engine on the right side; the center section accommodates both the commander and the operator of the remote weapon station; and the rear section is designed to transport up to eight infantry soldiers.
Armament
At the 2021 Zhuhai Airshow, the initial VN22 prototype was equipped with a remotely controlled turret featuring a 30 mm autocannon alongside two retractable HJ-12 anti-tank guided missiles, which remain concealed within the turret when not deployed. Both the commander and gunner have access to independent panoramic thermal imaging sights.
Engineered for versatility, the VN22 chassis can be fitted with a range of turret and weapon options tailored to various mission requirements.
Protection
The vehicle is outfitted with appliqué armor plates covering most surfaces, offering defense against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds from all angles when fully outfitted. Its hull incorporates a V-shaped design aimed at improving resistance against landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
For active defense measures, the VN22 includes ten smoke grenade launchers positioned on the front of the turret, complemented by the GL6 hard-kill active protection system (APS), which has launchers installed on both sides of the turret. The GL6 APS functions similarly to Israel's Iron Fist system, significantly boosting protection against incoming threats.
People's Republic of China
- VN22 – Base infantry fighting vehicle model available with multiple turret armament configurations.
- VN22B – Assault gun version equipped with a larger manned turret comparable to the WMA301, armed with a 105 mm cannon compatible with NATO-standard 105 mm ammunition.
- VN22 ARV – Armoured recovery vehicle variant built on the VN22 platform.
- VN22 Ambulance – Armoured medical evacuation vehicle derived from the VN22 chassis.
- VN22 Directed Energy Weapon – Variant fitted with a directed energy weapon system, showcasing advanced technology integration within armored vehicles.
Operators
- - Burkina Faso Armed Forces: Around 25 units delivered in 2024.
- - Iraqi Ground Forces: Produced locally under license, featuring an open-top manned turret armed with a 12.7 mm CS/LM5 heavy machine gun.
- - Armed Forces of the Republic of Ivory Coast: Acquisition includes six VN22B vehicles.
- - Armed Forces of Senegal: Inventory comprises one VN22 ARV, one VN22 Ambulance, and three VN22B units.