Chinese VN22 armoured vehicle spotted in Uzbekistan

A Chinese-made VN22 6×6 wheeled armoured vehicle has been observed at the Military Scientific and Technical Institute of Uzbekistan, highlighting the presence of Chinese defence platforms at a key Uzbek research facility.

Images from the institute show the VN22 alongside other military vehicles, suggesting the platform is undergoing technical evaluation, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Developed and produced by Norinco for the export market, the VN22 was first unveiled at the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in 2021. The vehicle is offered as a modular platform capable of troop transport, patrol, and combat support missions.

The VN22 features a conventional layout, with the engine positioned at the front of the hull next to the driver and a troop compartment at the rear, allowing for rapid troop dismount while keeping the powerpack separated from personnel. Its appliqué armour provides all-round protection against 14.5 mm armour-piercing rounds, while a V-shaped hull enhances survivability against landmines and improvised explosive devices.

The VN22 has been exported to several countries, including Burkina Faso, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Senegal, making it one of Norinco’s most widely distributed armoured vehicles. The design emphasises a balance of protection, mobility, and logistical simplicity, suitable for diverse operational environments.

Uzbekistan has been actively expanding its defence imports and domestic military production in recent years, often using Chinese systems as technical references. In 2024, the country introduced Chinese-made air defence systems such as the HQ-7B and HQ-12, reflecting growing defence-industrial cooperation with Beijing.

The presence of the VN22 at the Military Scientific and Technical Institute indicates that Uzbek engineers are evaluating the vehicle for potential procurement, modification, or local assembly. Uzbekistan has historically used foreign platforms as benchmarks for its domestic defence development programs.

By Vugar Khalilov