Chinese armored vehicles gain ground in Africa as Gabon unveils VN-1 infantry fighting vehicle

Chinese armored vehicles are steadily gaining prominence across African militaries, with Gabon becoming the latest country to showcase Beijing’s defense hardware.

• Chinese armored vehicles are increasingly prominent among African militaries, with Gabon showcasing the VN-1 IFV during its Independence Day parade.
• The VN-1, produced by Norinco, equipped with a simpler turret compared to variants in other countries, exemplifies China's customization of defense products.
• China's growing defense partnerships across Africa emphasize its strategic role in shaping the continent's military alignment and security landscape.
• Gabon also introduced the WMA-301 105mm wheeled assault gun, highlighting the appeal of versatile Chinese military equipment for various terrains.

During its Independence Day parade on August 17, the Central African nation unveiled the eight-wheeled VN-1 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), signaling both a deepening defense partnership with China and the rising appeal of Chinese-made equipment across the continent.

According to Defence Blog, the armored vehicles purchased by Gabon differ significantly from the VN-1C variant previously delivered to Thailand, which is equipped with the advanced UW-4B remotely controlled weapon station.

In contrast, Gabon’s VN-1 features a simpler, single-seat turret fitted with the 30mm Type 02 cannon. The weapon itself is derived from the Soviet-designed 2A72, a lighter version of the 2A42 gun mounted on the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle.

The VN-1, produced by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), has already been supplied to countries such as Venezuela and Thailand.

Its introduction into Gabon’s arsenal reflects a broader trend in which African governments are increasingly turning to Chinese suppliers for cost-effective and versatile military platforms.

Alongside the VN-1, Gabon also presented the WMA-301, a 105mm wheeled assault gun that has become one of China’s most widely exported armored vehicles in Africa.

The WMA-301 is designed for fire support and is valued for its mobility and ease of deployment in regions with limited infrastructure.

Chinese military appeal in Africa

For many African states, Chinese military vehicles offer a practical balance between affordability and capability, often accompanied by flexible financing and political goodwill.

The growing presence of these platforms at military parades and in operational deployments highlights China’s expanding defense footprint on the continent, raising questions about how this shift may influence Africa’s security landscape and strategic alignments in the years ahead.

Beyond Gabon, countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda and the Sahel states have all made significant purchases of Chinese armored vehicles, while Algeria and Tanzania have incorporated a range of Chinese-built tanks, artillery, and drones into their arsenals.

Together, these acquisitions underscore a continental trend in which Beijing has positioned itself as one of Africa’s most influential defense partners.

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