New Chinese Armored Vehicle Reflects Western Design

China's new VN12 armored infantry fighting vehicle has taken a cue from Western armored vehicles' design in order to fit more in the international market.

The vehicle was redeveloped by China North Industries Corporation to attract more overseas customers, as opposed to the original design based on the Soviet-built BMP-3 which was not popular among foreign buyers, Kanwa Defense Review reported on Wednesday.

The VN12 is the export version of China's ZBD-97 armored infantry fighting vehicle. However, the vehicle looks different from the ZBD-97 produced for domestic consumers.  It is equipped with high power engine which provides superior mobility and an integral-lifting power pack for easy maintenance.

VN12 can be used to carry out amphibious assaults as well, whereas the original Russian-designed vehicle was not popular among foreign buyers, according to the report. The vehicle features high mobility, strong firepower, modern armor and sophisticated information warfare equipment.

It is designed to carry seven soldiers and can offer fire support to dismounted troops with a two-man turret. The turret is equipped with 30mm automatic cannon.

In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and two launchers for the Red Arrow 73D anti-tank guided missile on each side of the turret.

China North Industries Corporation said that its weapons system can destroy moving or stationary targets such as tanks, armored vehicles, fortified structures and targets under all weather conditions when the platform is either stationary or moving. Six additional smoke grenade dischargers are mounted at the front on each side of the turret.