As reported by Tsaplienko on September 23, 2024, Russian troops have been observed using at least one Chinese-made ShaanXi Baoji Tiger 4×4 armored vehicle in Ukraine, raising questions about the extent of military cooperation between Russia and China. The published images depict a ShaanXi Baoji Tiger 4×4 armored vehicle, often mistaken with the ZFB-05, equipped with anti-drone hood protection, reinforced windshields, side projection protection, and a machine gun nest. This marks the first verified instance of such equipment being used in the combat area.
In June 2023, reports indicated that the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation (Rosgvardia) was using these vehicles. Eight ShaanXi Baoji Tiger 4×4 armored vehicles were identified as part of the Chechen special rapid response unit Akhmat, operating under the Russian Guard. Recent images suggest that these vehicles are now deployed on the front lines, although it is unclear whether they remain linked to the Akhmat unit or if additional units were acquired by the Russian Armed Forces.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry addressed these developments after the images surfaced, with spokesperson Wang Wenbin stating that China has not provided and is not providing military or other assistance to Russia for its involvement in the conflict. Despite this assertion, the presence of Chinese-made armored vehicles in Russian units has prompted inquiries into how these vehicles arrived at the operational areas. Since the start of the conflict, multiple pictures, reports, and intelligence documents indicate that Russian troops and government agencies are deploying Chinese-manufactured armored vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and drones.
In August 2024, the Moscow Metro police expanded its armored fleet with the acquisition of Chinese-made Dongfeng EQ2091XFB riot control vehicles. Photographs shared by the Busandall Telegram channel showed one of these vehicles equipped with a machine gun nest in the Moscow region. It is currently operational in central Moscow and features an armored turret designed for mounting a large-caliber machine gun, suggesting potential applications beyond transport security.
In 2023, Chechen leader Kadyrov confirmed in his video that these newly acquired, Chinese-manufactured Tiger 4×4 armored vehicles would support the military efforts in Ukraine.
This acquisition is part of a broader trend, with the Moscow Metro increasing its armored vehicle fleet in recent months. Additions include at least 15 domestically produced armored cars, such as the Buran, the Z-STS Akhmat, and the Astasis Patrol. The new Dongfeng vehicle is classified as civilian special equipment and has license plates commonly used for tractor-type vehicles, consistent with other armored vehicles acquired by the metro security service.
The Russian Armed Forces have also acquired and are using Chinese Desertcross 1000-3 ATVs, manufactured by Shandong Odes Industry. On November 10, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected these ATVs during a visit to Russian armed forces in Rostov-on-Don. Information shared during the visit indicated that the Russian Armed Forces currently possess 537 units of the utility task vehicle in its basic configuration, with another 1,590 units scheduled for delivery.
An initial batch of 500 units is expected in December 2023, followed by 1,090 units in the first quarter of 2024. The Desertcross 1000-3 vehicles are intended to become a significant component of the Russian army’s fleet, with modifications such as heaters, modified cabins for enhanced comfort, and reinforced bumpers to suit various terrains.
The Tiger 4×4 is powered by a Cummins ISDE200-30 diesel engine, capable of reaching speeds up to 115 km/h and an operational range of up to 600 km.
Intelligence reports from a European agency and documents also indicate that Russia began producing a new long-range attack drone, the Garpiya-A1, utilizing Chinese engines and components in the past year. This drone has reportedly been deployed in the Ukraine conflict. The intelligence includes a production contract, internal company communications, and financial documents, indicating that IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey, produced over 2,500 Garpiya drones between July 2023 and July 2024. Therefore, the deployment of the Baoji Tiger by Russian forces adds to the growing list of Chinese-manufactured equipment being integrated into Russian military operations.
While the Tiger 4×4 does not have provisions for additional armor or mine protection, it can be equipped with various armaments, including 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns, or a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher.
The ShaanXi Baoji Tiger, first revealed in 2010, is a 4×4 armored personnel carrier developed by ShaanXi Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing Co., Ltd., established in 1983 in Baoji City, Shaanxi Province. The company produces various types of light armored vehicles and has an annual output of 600 units. The Baoji Tiger has been exported to countries including the Bahamas, Bolivia, and Somalia.
Designed for high mobility on all terrains, the Baoji Tiger accommodates a driver, commander, and up to nine fully equipped infantrymen. It features a rotating cupola hatch equipped with a machine gun and can be fitted with additional equipment such as flashing lights, megaphones, and crowd control devices. The vehicle is powered by a Cummins ISDE200-30 diesel engine, capable of reaching speeds up to 115 km/h and an operational range of up to 600 km.
Protection features include armor resistant to small arms fire and shell splinters, with bulletproof reinforced glass. While it does not have provisions for additional armor or mine protection, it can be equipped with various armaments, including 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns, or a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher.
The Baoji Tiger has been exported to countries including the Bahamas, Bolivia, and Somalia.
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