Larger vehicles tend to be more susceptible to anti-tank missiles due to their size and lack of maneuverability. (Photo : Reuters)
Despite refusing to join formally in the fight against ISIS, China has assisted in other ways, such as providing a versatile military SUV which is reportedly being deployed by Syrian government forces against ISIS ground troops, according to a report by the Want China Times (WCT).
According to Duowei News cited by the WCT report, a soldier from the Syrian army has stated that the military SUV, which is manufactured by China's state-owned BAIC Group, is actively involved in the fighting. Furthermore, all labels indicating Chinese craftsmanship have apparently been removed.
Dubbed as the "Warrior," the mid-sized SUV is expected to be highly suitable for desert warfare.
Larger vehicles tend to be more susceptible to anti-tank missiles due to their size and lack of maneuverability. Mobility is not its only advantage as the SUV can accommodate howitzers and light machine guns on its removable PVC hardtop.
The vehicle is also competing well in the market as it is currently priced at 199,000 yuan ($31,335).
However, the Warrior is not void of any flaws. Reports say that the vehicle operates at a high malfunction rate. As such, countries may resort to China's top military SUV in the form of the Dongfeng EQ2050, which is also known as "Mengshi" in China.
This is not the first time Chinese military equipment have been reportedly utilized in the war against Islamic extremists. On Oct. 10, Iraqi defense minister Khaled al-Obaidi arrived at Kut Airbase to witness the launching of the Chinese CH-4B combat drone, which is expected to be deployed in the near future.
