Zimbabwe’s defense capabilities have received a significant boost through a recent consignment of Chinese military equipment, showcasing a diverse array of armaments and essential support vehicles. President Emmerson Mnangagwa oversaw the reception of this substantial donation on December 13th at the mechanised brigade base in Inkomo, situated in the northwest region of Harare. The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) highlighted the assortment of offerings, which notably included eight Norinco WMA301 6×6 fire support vehicles. Moreover, the consignment featured a fleet of WZ551 6×6 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) in varying configurations, complemented by accompanying trucks for logistical support.
The WZ-551 is a Chinese wheeled armoured personnel carriers family. The name WZ-551 actually covers two families of vehicles with the official designations in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) – Type 90 and Type 92. Some of the WZ551s had the one-person turret with a fully-stabilized ZPT-99 30 mm autocannon, which is widely used in Africa, while others had an older type of turret with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. The WZ-551 is fitted with two banks of four smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret. The vehicle is also fitted with ventilation system, NBC protection system. The steel-reinforced radial tire allows the vehicle to travel at reduced speeds for 100 km when punctured.
The WMA301 fire support vehicle was developed in China. It is a modified export version of the WZ-551
(PTL02), which is widely used by the Chinese Army. The WMA301 was designed to engage armored vehicles, buildings, field fortifications and other targets. Sometimes this vehicle is referred as assault gun or tank destroyer. However its main role is to provide fire support to nearby units, rather than to engage enemy tanks. Its armor is simply too weak for this role. It is armed with a 105 mm rifled gun, which is compatible with all standard NATO ammunition. The WMA301 fires APFSDS, HEAT and HE rounds. It can also launch 105 mm anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. Vehicle carries around 30 rounds for the main gun.
Expanding beyond combat-focused machinery, the donation encompassed a comprehensive suite of auxiliary elements crucial for operational efficiency. Ambulances, water purifiers, patrol boats, minibuses, and an assortment of firearms—ranging from sniper rifles to machine guns and pistols—were among the equipment provided. This multifaceted allocation demonstrates not only a commitment to fortifying Zimbabwe’s defensive capabilities but also an emphasis on addressing diverse operational needs, encompassing medical support, transportation, and specialized combat equipment. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, such collaborations and equipment acquisitions signify Zimbabwe’s strategic intent to bolster its defense infrastructure.
