Defence Blog: Chinese VN22 Armored Vehicle Undergoes Testing in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A Chinese-made VN22 armored vehicle has been spotted at the Uzbek Military-Technical Institute, suggesting the start of technical trials and expert evaluation of the platform for the country’s defense sector.

According to the international specialized portal Defence Blog, the appearance of the vehicle at one of Uzbekistan’s key military research facilities indicates practical testing of its tactical and technical capabilities as well as operational performance. Official comments from Uzbek authorities on the matter have not yet been released.

The VN22 is a 6×6 wheeled armored vehicle developed by the Chinese state-owned corporation Norinco as a versatile modular platform.

Defence Blog reports that the vehicle is designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from troop transport and patrol duties to providing fire support in combat conditions.

The vehicle follows a conventional layout with a front-mounted engine, allowing safe troop deployment through a rear ramp—a design commonly used in modern combat platforms to enhance crew and personnel protection.

Special attention in the VN22 project has been given to survivability. The hull is fitted with add-on armor providing all-around protection against armor-piercing rounds up to 14.5 mm caliber.

Additionally, the vehicle features a V-shaped hull designed to effectively disperse blast energy from mines or improvised explosive devices, increasing the crew’s chances of survival under asymmetric threat conditions.

The VN22’s appearance in Uzbekistan comes amid the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and diversify its military equipment, including through cooperation with foreign manufacturers.