Taliban received Tiger armored vehicles from China

The Afghan Taliban has armed itself with Chinese Tiger armored vehicles (ZFB-05 Xinxing) manufactured by Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing.

User John Dounga posted photos with previously unknown armored vehicles on X.

According to the published screenshots, the Afghan Taliban has at least two Chinese Tiger armored vehicles, the transfer of which has not been previously reported.

The armored vehicle, which is also positioned as an armored personnel carrier, was presented during the Eurosatory 2012 International Land Security and Defense Exhibition. Bolivia, Somalia, Tajikistan, and Russia are well-known customers of these armored vehicles. In addition, the vehicle is also used by a large number of African countries.

It is reported that the armored vehicle is based on the Nanjing NJ2046, which, in turn, is a licensed copy of the Italian Iveco 40.10WM. The vehicle has an all-metal welded body made of armored steel plates.

The hull provides protection against standard 7.62×39 mm cartridges. The windows have bulletproof glass units and compartments with holes for firing from the inside. The hull is equipped with a typical V-profile bottom for improved protection against debris and explosions under the vehicle.

It is worth noting that the Ukrainian Defense Forces also use armored vehicles of this type as trophy vehicles. Units of the Russian National Guard previously used these armored vehicles. They were also seen in use by the Chechen special rapid response unit Akhmat, which is part of the Russian National Guard.