Ghanaian military has acquired dozens of VN-22 armoured vehicles from China, to enhance its combat lethality.
At least 20 of the vehicles arrived Tema seaport on Saturday 26 October, from China. Ghanaian versions are equipped with a 30 mm autocannon.
The VN-22 is a family of Chinese wheeled 6×6 armoured fighting vehicles intended for export. Designed and produced by Norinco, it was first unveiled at the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in 2021.
Since the VN-22 was designed to be modular, the platform can be mounted with a variety of different turrets housing various weapon systems.
Typically, the family of the VN-22 wheeled armored vehicles, primarily focuses on export, has featured variants aimed at armored personnel transport (APC) and infantry combat (IFV) equipped with both manned and unmanned turrets. These come with a variety of armament options, ranging from light and heavy machine guns to 30mm cannons.
The vehicle has appliqué armour plating covering the majority of the vehicle. When fully equipped, they give the vehicle the ability to protect against 14.5 mm amour-piercing rounds (NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 equivalent) from all directions.
The VN22 also features a V-shaped hull for enhanced protection against landmines and IEDs.
In Africa, the VN-22 has been exported to Ivory Coast and Senegal. They would enhance the combat capabilities of the Ghanaian Army.
