China spotted new armoured vehicles similar to Russian "Typhoon-K", but there are nuances

In the Chinese desert, a convoy of unidentified armoured vehicles resembling Russian Typhoon-Ks was spotted. However, the similarity is only visual: the vehicles differ not only in design but also in function.

Here's What We Know

According to the Defence Blog, these are new armoured vehicles based on the Chinese Type 08 platform. Presumably, this is a modular system for transporting personnel, evacuating or installing command and control modules. Unlike the Taifun-K, these vehicles have an 8×8 wheel configuration, which means they are larger, have a higher payload, and most likely have better cross-country ability.

According to Defense Express, the Chinese armoured personnel carriers are similar to lighter but larger versions of traditional armoured personnel carriers, and could be a cheaper transport alternative while retaining the possibility of flexible upgrades. The massive chassis potentially allows for the installation of a variety of weapons or equipment within a modular concept.

Chinese state media have previously shown similar vehicles, including factory footage of the J-35 fighter jet. However, as before, no technical specifications, names or details of their use have been made public. Also, as early as 2010, previous iterations of such vehicles were spotted, so this is not a completely new development, but rather an evolution of the platform.

The secrecy that characterises the Chinese armed forces does not allow us to learn more. However, the appearance of new armoured vehicles on Chinese roads, especially in a convoy, may indicate that they are approaching serial deployment or field testing.

Source: Defence Blog