Burkina Faso’s military junta has recently received a consignment of Chinese-made armored vehicles.
This delivery was highlighted by the head of the junta, Ibrahim Traoré, who shared images of the new assets on his official Facebook page.
The shipment consists of several different types of armored vehicles, with a focus on those produced by the Chinese company Norinco, as well as logistical support vehicles from the Chinese manufacturer Shacman.
The consignment includes approximately 50 Norinco CS/VP14 MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles), 25 Norinco VN22 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) with a 6×6 configuration, and an unspecified number of Norinco CS/VN9 6×6 armored personnel carriers (APCs). Additionally, the military received trucks and tankers manufactured by Shacman, a prominent Chinese vehicle manufacturer.
The Norinco CS/VP14 MRAP is a modern armored vehicle designed to meet NATO’s STANAG 4569-4a protection standards. It can withstand a 10-kilogram anti-tank mine under any wheel and resist 7.62×51 mm gunfire from up to 30 meters, with a total combat weight of 9 tons.
The Norinco VN22 is a 6×6 armored combat vehicle with a heavily armored hull that can resist 25 mm shells at the front and 14.5 mm projectiles elsewhere. It accommodates up to nine infantrymen and is armed with a 30 mm automatic cannon and two Red Arrow 73D anti-tank missiles, making it effective in both infantry support and anti-armor roles.
The Norinco CS/VN9 is a 6×6 armored personnel carrier based on the WZ 551 chassis, offering protection against 12.7 mm bullets from 200 meters. It can transport up to six paratroopers and is equipped with a 30 mm automatic cannon for self-defense.
Together, the CS/VP14 MRAP, VN22 IFV, and CS/VN9 APC provide a comprehensive suite of capabilities, including mine protection, troop transport, fire support, and anti-tank capabilities, all of which are essential for modern military operations.