The PLA Marine Corps currently operates a new type of amphibious fighting vehicle reportedly designated ZBD2000 (VN16).

The new ZBD2000 amphibious fighting vehicle is similar to the U.S. Expeditionary Fight Vehicle (EFV) in concept, though the former is fitted with heavier armour protection. The vehicle was designed to be launched at sea, from an amphibious assault ship 10km or more offshore, capable of high-speed (>25 knots) travelling to shore. Because the vehicle can swim for a relatively long distance, the threats of enemy mines and shore defences faced by the amphibious assault ship is reduced significantly. Like the EFV, the ZBD2000 uses a planning hull propelled by two water jets. The vehicle may not yet reach the swimming performance of the EFV to enable it to be launched from ‘over-the-horizon’, but this weakness could be compensated by the vehicle’s stronger firepower and heavier armour protection.

VN16 Tracked Amphibious Assault Vehicle, was especially developed for mechanized troops and Marine Corps to carry out landing missions in cooperation with VN18 amphibious IFV. VN16 adopts lots of latest techniques, such as highpower engine, highly efficient water-jet propeller, light-alloy armored hull, slide technology and adjustable hydropneumatic suspension. Thanks to adopting above new techniques, the vehicle has high speed and strong adaptability on the water. After many years of mass production and technical improvement, VN16 Amphibious Armored Assault Vehicle is mature and reliable, and the performance is stable.

VN16 Amphibious Armored Assault Vehicle is especially proper to fulfill the offensive tasks of island landing, field opening and consolidating, as well as defensive anti-landing operations. Equipped with a 105mm low recoil tank gun, VN16 is capable of destroying enemy combatants, armor targets and fortified structures at 2000 meters. Integrated with director-type fire control system, VN16 can shoot at moving targets, when it is moving on land or in the status of class 3 sea conditions. The overall performance ofVN16 reaches the world advanced level, especially for its high water traveling speed and strong wind-wave resistance ability which exceed traditional amphibious combat vehicles and achieves the highest level in terms of active duty in the world.

• World leading level water speed that reaches 25km/h

• Strong wind-wave resistance enables VN16 to travel and implement combat mission at level 4 sea condition

• With awesome firepower of 105mm low recoil tank gun, VN 16 can attack armor targets, personnel and fortified structures at 2000 meters when it is on land or in the sea

• Integrated with director-type fire control system, VN 16 can shoot at moving targets, when it is moving on land or in status of 3 class sea conditions

• Aluminum-alloy base armour fitted with composite applique armour for improved protection