United Arab Emirates shows interest in Chinese-made VN-20 IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

According to information published on the "お砂糖wsnbn" Twitter account on April 20, 2023, the United Arab Emirates has expressed interest in acquiring the new Chinese-made VN-20 tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle). A picture of the UAE version of the VN-20 IFV appeared in a Chinese military magazine this month.
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A picture of the UAE version of the VN-20 IFV appeared in a Chinese military magazine this month. (Picture source Twitter account お砂糖wsnbn)

China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been strengthening their defense cooperation in recent years. The two countries have signed several agreements to enhance their military ties, including joint military exercises, technology transfers, and the sale of Chinese weapons to the UAE.

One of the key areas of defense cooperation between China and the UAE is the sale of Chinese weapons to the UAE. China has become a major arms exporter, and the UAE is one of its largest customers. The UAE has purchased a range of Chinese weapons, including armed drones, missiles, and other advanced military technology.

According to SIPRI Arms Trade Database from 2016 to 2022 China sold to the UAE including Wing Loon 1, Wing Loong 2, CR500 Golden Eagle UAVs, AH-4 155 towed howitzer, SR-5 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) and Bkue Arrow-7 anti-tank missiles.

The VN-20 IFV was unveiled in 2022 at the China AirShow in Zhuhai and is considered the most heavily protected and armed combat IFV in its class.

The VN20 is based on a modified tracked chassis of the VT4 Main Battle Tank (MBT), with additional armor mounted on the front and sides of the hull. According to our analysis, the driver sits on the left-hand side of the hull, with another crew member, possibly the commander, on the right. The engine is situated at the front of the hull, while the rear section can accommodate up to six infantrymen who enter and exit through a single hydraulic ramp.

The VN20 can be outfitted with a two-man turret armed with both 100mm and 30mm cannons, similar to the Russian BMP-3 tracked armored IFV, a remotely-controlled machine gun on the turret roof, and a unique feature: two remotely-controlled 7.62mm machine guns mounted at the rear of the hull.

The VN20 is equipped with an impressive armor package surrounding the hull and turret. The front and upper portions of the side hull are protected by ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor), while the lower part features armor plates and wire cage armor covering the vehicle's suspension.

The turret also boasts an impressive thickness of 360° armor. According to a Chinese defense source, the VN20 offers Level 6 STANAG 4569 ballistic protection against the firing of 30mm APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) or AP (Armor-Piercing) rounds at a distance of 500 meters from the front and center line.