Norinco Tests VN1 APC for Thailand

21 November 2019

VN-1 amphibious APC (all photos : Jason007)

Thai YouTube channel Matichon Online video test armored personnel carriers VN-1, made by the Chinese defense industry corporation China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) for the needs of the Thai army. It is reported that the first 38 armored vehicles of the VN-1 family, including 34 linear armored personnel carriers, 2 armored repair and recovery vehicles, called the VS27 and 2 armored repair and technical vehicles, will be delivered according to the schedule to Thailand by sea on November 28, 2019.

As reported by colleagues BMPD previously contracted from Thailand in March 2017 the cost of 2,017,050,000 baht (USD 57.63 million) ordered from Norinco 34 linear armored VN1, the supply of which must be made in the years 2019-2020.

At the same time, in addition, an agreement was concluded with the Chinese side worth 400 million baht (about $ 11.4 million) for the modernization of the Thai army’s armored car repair facility in Khon Kaen to organize repair and maintenance of Chinese-made armored vehicles - Type 85 tanks and purchased VT4 tanks and VN1 APC.

On January 28, 2019, the Thai Army’s Arms Department approved a budget request of 2.251272766 billion baht ($ 66.233179 million) for the purchase of another 41 VN1 wheeled armored personnel carriers 8x8 from the Chinese defense industry corporation China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), in addition to 34 previously ordered.

(Dambiev)