Through a video posted on social media, the Iraqi Defense Industries Commission (DICI) announced the start of local production of its new 6×6 VN22 Wheeled Armored Combat Vehicles, originally developed by the China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO). Although the VN22 is not directly named in the material, a vehicle of this type can be seen accompanying the announcement corresponding to this armored vehicle manufactured by the Chinese defense industry.
In the video, the President of the Military Industrialization Authority, Engineer Mustafa Ati Hassan, stood next to a VN22 to announce the start of production of a 6×6 armored vehicle at the Al-Rabie factory, located in southeastern Baghdad. The vehicle to be produced was not named, and no further details were provided.
The Norinco VN22 is designed for personnel transport, patrol and reconnaissance missions, and peacekeeping operations, among other combat missions. Among its main features is the adoption of a new engine, which, together with an independent suspension system and the design of its hull with mine-resistant armor, achieves a suitable balance between mobility, personnel protection, and firepower.
The 6×6 IFV can be equipped with a remotely operated 30mm weapons station, leaving space for eight personnel and three crew members. According to the Chinese company, the vehicle has ballistic protection up to level 14 (up to 14.5 mm according to VPAM standard) and mine blast protection at levels 4A and 4B. The unit shown in the Iraqi video, on the other hand, was equipped with a manned weapons station with a Norinco LM5 heavy machine gun with three barrels of 12.7 mm, which can fire between 1,000 or 2,000 rounds per minute.
Regarding other recent acquisitions by Iraq, we can highlight the possible authorized purchase of a logistics support package for the Iraqi Army’s Bell helicopter fleet totaling USD 300 million. This operation, already approved by the US Department of Defense, would be carried out through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
