Russians Use Chinese-made ZFB-05 Armored Vehicles at Front Line

Russian troops are using ZFB-05 armored vehicles manufactured by the People’s Republic of China in the combat zone.

The photos were published by the Vodograi Telegram channel.

The images show the ZFB-05 Xinxing armored vehicle, equipped with anti-drone hood protection, reinforced windshield and side projection protection, and a machine gun nest.

The Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation (Rosgvardia) was first reported to be using these vehicles in June 2023.

Eight of these armored vehicles were seen in service with the Chechen special rapid response unit Akhmat, which is part of the Russian Guard.

After the fact of the use of Chinese-made armored vehicles by Russian troops was made public, the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated while replying to a journalist that China has not provided and is not providing Russia with any military or other assistance for its war.

It is unclear whether the photos show a vehicle that belongs to Akhmatov forces, or whether the Russian Armed Forces are purchasing new vehicles.

It is worth noting that this is not the only case of Chinese-made armored vehicles being purchased by Russian government agencies.

In August, it became known that the Moscow Metro bought Dongfeng EQ2091XFB armored vehicles. Moreover, the subway vehicle is equipped with a machine gun nest.

According to the Russian media, this armored vehicle is listed on the balance sheet of the Moscow metro as civilian special equipment registered with “tractor” license plates.

In addition to armored vehicles, the Russian Armed Forces are massively purchasing and using Chinese Desertcross-1000-3 all-terrain vehicles manufactured by Shandong Odes Industry.

ZFB-05

It is known that the ZFB-05 armored vehicle is designed and manufactured at the facilities of Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Co., Ltd.

The armored vehicle is built on the chassis of the Nanjing NJ2046 light off-road vehicle, which is a licensed copy of the Iveco 40.10WM vehicle.

The ZFB-05 has an all-metal armored hull, which, according to the manufacturer, is effective against standard 7.62×39mm ammunition. Optionally, additional hinged armor can be installed.

The Chinese-made combat vehicle is equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine SOFIM 8142.43 with a capacity of 117 hp, the manufacturer provides an optional option to install a more powerful engine SOFIM 8142.45, which has 127 hp.

The main countries operating the machine are Africa and Central Asia.