Recently, the modification of a Chinese high-end export-oriented armored vehicle VN-22 in Iraq has aroused widespread attention and discussion. This armored car, which was originally attracting attention in the international market for its advanced unmanned turret and powerful firepower configuration, however, the Iraqi army chose to convert it into a machine gun vehicle, which seems to be somewhat unexpected.
First of all, let's take a look at the original configuration of the VN-22 armored car. The VN-22 armored car is equipped with an integrated unmanned turret with a 30-mm gun and two side-by-side 7.62-mm machine guns, while two new anti-tank missiles are also armed in the rear of the turret. This firepower configuration allows the VN-22 armored vehicle to have extremely strong firepower and strike capabilities when performing tasks, which is enough to cope with various complex battlefield environments.
However, the Iraqi army, having introduced this armored vehicle, made a different choice. They dismantled the unmanned turrets on armored vehicles and replaced them with manned machine-gun turrets and armed them with machine guns of a relatively small caliber. This modification, apparently, reduces the level of firepower and technical content of the armored vehicle, and therefore also causes some controversy and questioning.
For the option of modification of the Iraqi army, we can analyze it from several angles. First of all, based on actual needs, Iraq, after years of war, may pay more attention to the mobility and protection capabilities of armored vehicles rather than excessive firepower. When performing tasks such as policing and counter-terrorism in urban environments, machine guns with a high rate of fire may be more practical and efficient. Therefore, the Iraqi army's choice of modification may be based on an in-depth understanding of the current battlefield environment and actual needs.
Secondly, from an economic point of view, the modification of the Iraqi army may also be associated with military spending. High-end armored vehicles are relatively expensive to maintain and use, and modified machine-gun vehicles may reduce the burden on this aspect. In addition, the relatively simple operation and maintenance of the machine-gun vehicle also contributed to the combat efficiency and responsiveness of the army.
Of course, there are also concerns about the modified VN-22 armored car. In their opinion, the VN-22, without an unmanned turret and powerful firepower, will lose its core competencies and may even be reduced to an ordinary armored vehicle. This point of view is justified to a certain extent, since the original design concept and firepower configuration of the VN-22 is indeed its unique feature. However, we should also note that the choice of military equipment is not static, but needs to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual situation.
It is noteworthy that Iraq not only introduced VN-22 armored vehicles, but also purchased production lines for domestic production. This initiative demonstrates Iraq's recognition and trust in this armored vehicle, as well as their autonomy and innovation in military equipment. Through domestic production, Iraq can better master the core technologies and production capabilities of armored vehicles, laying a solid foundation for future military development.
In addition, the options for the modification of the Iraqi army give us some inspiration. In the process of R&D and procurement of military equipment, we should pay more attention to actual needs and the battlefield environment, and avoid blindly pursuing high-end and advanced technologies while ignoring actual needs. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the economics and sustainability of military equipment to ensure that it can maintain good performance and efficiency in the long-term use process.
In addition to the discussion of the modification of the VN-22 armored car, we cannot ignore the underlying political and diplomatic factors in it. China, as an exporter of VN-22 armored vehicles, will undoubtedly keep an eye on Iraq's modification options. However, as a responsible major country, China pays more attention to maintaining friendly relations and long-term cooperation with customer countries. Therefore, China is likely to be open and understanding about Iraq's modification options, while providing the necessary technical support and after-sales service.
In general, Iraq's choice of modification of the VN-22 armored vehicle, although it has caused some controversy and discussion, we should analyze and understand it from several angles. When it comes to the selection of military equipment, practical needs, economy and sustainability are all important factors to consider. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the impact of political and diplomatic factors on military cooperation and strive to maintain friendly relations and long-term cooperation between countries. Continuous learning, innovation and development will be key in this process.
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