Chinese-made armored vehicles are becoming increasingly common across African militaries, with Gabon the latest to highlight Beijing’s defense equipment.
During its Independence Day parade on August 17, the Central African country revealed its newly acquired eight-wheeled VN-1 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), underscoring a growing defense relationship with China and the rising demand for Chinese military hardware on the continent.
Defence Blog reports that the VN-1 vehicles purchased by Gabon differ from the VN-1C version previously supplied to Thailand, which is fitted with the advanced UW-4B remotely controlled weapon station.
Gabon’s VN-1 instead uses a simpler single-seat turret armed with a 30mm Type 02 cannon, a weapon based on the Soviet-designed 2A72, a lighter variant of the 2A42 gun found on BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
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The VN-1 is manufactured by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) and has also been delivered to countries such as Venezuela and Thailand.
Gabon’s addition of the vehicle reflects a broader trend in which African nations are increasingly turning to China for affordable and adaptable military systems.
Gabon also displayed the WMA-301, a 105mm wheeled assault gun known as one of China’s most exported armored vehicles in Africa.
The WMA-301 is valued for its firepower and mobility, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure, making it a popular choice for fire support roles.
Chinese vehicles are appealing to many African governments because they combine affordability and capability, often paired with flexible financing options and political support.
Their growing visibility in parades and operational use points to China’s expanding influence in African defense markets, raising questions about how this shift could affect the continent’s security strategies in the future.
Beyond Gabon, other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, and several Sahel states, have purchased Chinese armored vehicles.
Algeria and Tanzania have also added Chinese-made tanks, artillery, and drones to their forces.
Together, these acquisitions highlight China’s growing role as a key defense partner across Africa.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
