China puts new Type 19 8×8 armored vehicle into operation in the western part of the country

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
China deploys new Type 19 8×8 armored vehicle in the west of the country
China deploys new Type 19 8×8 armored vehicle in the west of the country (X @ashrafnsier)

China confirmed the deployment of the new wheeled armored vehicles Type 19 8×8 following the release of official images showing units of the People’s Liberation Army training with the system at the Western Theater Command.

The footage was broadcast by Chinese state television and features troops from the 76th Group Army, indicating that the equipment is already integrated into front-line formations.

The exercises were part of the 2026 annual military training cycle and showed infantry disembarking from the vehicles while receiving fire support from the turrets during open-field maneuvers. The activities focused on mobility, rapid deployment, and coordination between troops and armored vehicles, without live-fire drills.

Considered an evolution of the Type 08 family, the Type 19 features a high-strength steel hull with modular armor and improvements against mines, maintaining an approximate weight of 25 tons. According to released information, the vehicle provides protection against small and medium-caliber munitions, with limited resistance to heavier projectiles.

The infantry combat variant is equipped with a 30mm unmanned turret, coaxial machine gun, and anti-tank missiles, remotely operated to reduce risks to the crew. The adoption of the Type 19 reinforces the PLA’s efforts to modernize its ground forces with wheeled armored formations, especially in strategic regions of the western part of the country.

Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @ashrafnsier | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.

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