China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco) delivered an undisclosed number of VN22B wheeled armored assault vehicles to Cote D’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast.
A video circulated on the Chinese social media platform Weibo showcasing the arrival of a batch of these state-of-the-art Chinese assault vehicles in Cote D’Ivoire. The footage revealed at least six VN22B vehicles.
The VN22B 6×6 armored vehicles are armed with a formidable 105mm gun and are adaptable to all standard NATO 105mm ammunition, augmenting their operational versatility.
Designed primarily to provide critical firepower support to combat units, the VN22B features a chassis engineered for enhanced protection, incorporating integral additional armor to elevate its survivability on the battlefield. Notably, it encompasses a fully electronically controlled automatic transmission, a full liquid-pneumatic lift body suspension, a V-shaped hydraulic jumper protective tailgate, and a suspended seat, further fortifying its defensive capabilities.
Cote D’Ivoire became the second country after Senegal to receive these advanced Chinese assault vehicles, also recognized as light tanks.
Introducing these cutting-edge armored vehicles to the region raises concerns about China’s growing influence.