Modernized Chinese armored personnel carriers began to be delivered to Africa

New Chinese high-security VN2C armored personnel carriers have recently received military orders. Judging by the photos, we are still talking about six units. For a country that had previously operated less than two dozen obsolete Soviet-made BTR-60PB and BTR-70, and such a number can be considered a significant addition.

VN2C began to be promoted by Norinco Corporation a few years ago, outwardly they resemble the significantly modified Type 92 created in the 90s, also known as the ZSL-92. However, in comparison with it, the designers have thoroughly worked on protection, including mine protection. As a result, experts began to attribute this APC to the currently popular MRAP class.

Of course, the strengthening of the armor led to an increase in mass: if the Type 92 weighs 15300 kg, then the improved sample is 19,000 kg. But thanks to the 400-horsepower engine and reinforced suspension, the mobility characteristics have even improved somewhat - the maximum speed on the highway has increased from 85 to 100 km/h.

It is reported that the "plumped up" armored personnel carrier retained the ability to overcome water obstacles by swimming, accelerating up to 8 km/ h. The fuel reserve is 800 km.

12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns mounted in a single rotating turret are used as the main armament. The first has a stock of 500 rounds, the second - 1000 pieces. The crew is three people, the landing party is eight servicemen.

It is known that in addition to the Malian ground forces, an unspecified number of VN2CS are also operated in the Ugandan People's Defense Forces. Perhaps this highly protected armored personnel carrier will eventually be able to repeat the success of the Type 92, which serves in the armies of almost a dozen African countries.

Recently, it also became known about the supply of Type 89 tracked armored personnel carriers and CSK131 Mengshi armored vehicles to Nigeria to China.

Alexey Moiseev