Thanks to a video published by Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), it was revealed that the Chinese company Norinco has equipped one of its 6×6 VN-22 Wheeled Armored Combat Vehicles with what appears to be a directed energy weapon system. These images, published on social media, mention the presence and arrival of the vehicle at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, an aerospace technology and innovation fair to be held in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, in November.
In this context, a previously unknown variant of Norinco’s 6×6 VN-22 was spotted in recent hours, along with other vehicles featuring new equipment and capabilities. Until now, the family of wheeled armored vehicles, primarily focused 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.
Through the videos and images collected, a new variant of the 6×6 equipped with a new unmanned turret with various detection sensors can be seen at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024. This sparked online discussions regarding its potential use, with comments highlighting this feature as a counter-drone or Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) for detecting, tracking, and destroying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Although no further details have been provided about this new directed energy or laser-based counter-drone system—potentially a UAV jamming system—Norinco’s decision to equip one of its 6×6 reflects a growing trend in the military industry. Wheeled armored vehicles, known for their high mobility, are increasingly being equipped with new air defense systems, whether based on cannons or more advanced laser systems. This is evident in various proposals from companies, some of which have already been adopted by the U.S. Army, such as the Stryker MSHORAD, equipped with a 50kW laser system developed by Raytheon.
About the VN-22 6×6
The VN-22 6×6 was first introduced by Norinco in May 2022 as an armored vehicle designed for personnel transport, patrol, reconnaissance missions, and peacekeeping operations, among other combat missions. One of its key features is the adoption of a new engine, which, along with an independent suspension system and a mine-resistant hull design, provides a balanced combination of mobility, crew protection, and firepower.
Equipped with STANAG 4569 level 4A/4B standard armor, it can protect its crew against explosions of up to 10kg of TNT under any wheel or the hull itself. Its armor can also withstand 14.5mm rounds fired from 200 meters away.
In its latest Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) version, it is equipped with a 30mm turret and has the capacity to transport three (3) crew members plus eight (8) fully-armed personnel. With a payload capacity of 7 tons, it can be modified into a recovery vehicle, ambulance, or tank destroyer with a 105mm cannon.
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