Although the news that Argentina is likely to import the "Dragon Fighter" fighter jet from China has spread like wildfire, the international community has recognized that choosing which country to introduce weapons has never only been based on the performance of weapons, but also on the political and economic cooperation between the two countries and even broader international relations.
Even whether or not to import high-tech equipment such as fighter jets from a certain country for the first time must be considered - because this is not the introduction of fighters alone, but the need to introduce a complete set of combat command and logistics maintenance systems, which can be called a big move.
However, judging from Argentina's new moves, the possibility of introducing the "Dragon Fighter" is very high. According to Argentine media reports, while the Argentine Air Force delegation was inspecting the "Dragon Dragon" in Chengdu, the Argentine Army was also negotiating with china's North Industries Company for the introduction of new armored vehicles.
VN-1D infantry fighting vehicle
If the negotiations are successful, it will mean that the Argentine Army and Air Force are equipped with Chinese weapons at the same time, which can unify the logistics maintenance standards of the Argentine army, thus saving a lot of money. This is very attractive to Argentina, which is shy.
The Argentine Embassy in China revealed that Argentina's defense cooperation with China is not limited to the possible purchase of "Dragon Fighter" fighters, but may also be extended to other projects, such as the Argentine Army's wheeled armored fighting vehicle procurement case.
It is said that Norinco has held a series of meetings with the Argentine Ministry of Defense and Argentine Army officials in recent days, and the Chinese side submitted a design plan for the 8-wheel VN-1D infantry fighting vehicle. It uses an 8×8 chassis, and the overall design style is very similar to the Western 8×8 armored vehicle, using the classic layout of the front power compartment, the central weapons compartment and the rear crew compartment. According to the requirements of the Argentine side, it consisted of two configurations, including an armored personnel transport vehicle with a machine gun turret and an infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a 30 mm rapid-fire gun.
It is said that Argentina may purchase up to 209 VN-1D armored vehicles, possibly delivered in two batches, the first of which will be assembled and produced in China, and then a larger quantity will be assembled in Argentina to enhance argentina's defense industry capacity.
6×6 VN22 armored vehicles
In addition, Norinco is also marketing the 6×6 VN22 armored/infantry fighting vehicle to argentina. It introduces China's most advanced innovations in the field of armored vehicles and is designed to transport people, conduct patrol and reconnaissance missions, peacekeeping operations, and other combat missions.
Among its main features, the adoption of the new engine stands out, coupled with a separate suspension scheme and a hull design with anti-mine armor, which strikes a full balance between mobility, personnel protection and firepower.
The VN22's armor can withstand the involvement of 14.5 mm large-caliber bullets from a distance of 200 meters, protecting its occupants from the explosion of 10 kg of TNT explosives. Its maneuverability is also very good, with a maximum speed of 110 km/h on the highway and 40 km/h on the off-road.
The VN22 infantry fighting vehicle can carry up to 8 heavily armed soldiers
In the latest version of the infantry fighting vehicle, the VN22 is equipped with a turret with a 30 mm rapid-fire gun that can carry 3 crews and 8 heavily armed soldiers. In addition, it has the potential to modify the 105 mm gun of tank destroyers or rescue vehicles, ambulances and other variants.