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Land ForcesChina

ZBL-08 (Type 08)

8x8 infantry fighting vehicleFielded 2009Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
ZBL-08 (Type 08)
Photo: Key-Needleworker-702 on reddit · CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type8x8 infantry fighting vehicle
Date of introduction2009
ProliferationAt least 5 countries
Configuration8x8Med[1]
Crew3Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length8 m26 ftMed[1]
Width3 m10 ftMed[1]
Height2.1 m7 ftMed[1]
Combat weight15 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
EngineDeutz BF6M1015CMed[1]
Engine power440 hpMed[1]
Transmissionsemi-automaticMed[1]
Suspension8×8 wheeledMed[1]
Max road speed100 km/h62 mph · 54 ktMed[1]
Cruising range800 km497 mi · 432 nmiMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorProtection against small arms and shell splinters.Med[1]
Turret ArmorProtection against small arms and shell splinters.Med[1]
Applique ArmorAvailableMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Smoke EquipmentYes, 6 x Smoke Grenade DischargersMed[1]
Armament
Secondary armament1 x Type 86 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun.Med[1]
Fire control
Computerized FCSYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight Vehicle CommanderYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYesMed[1]
Main Gun StabilizationYesMed[1]
Variants
Ammunition note2 x HJ-73C ATGM Rail launcher are mounted on both sides of the turret.[1]
ZBL-08 (Type 08) Infantry Fighting VehicOriginal IFV variant with a 30 mm turret based on Shipunov 2A72. It features a crew cabin in the back for infantry transportation. HJ-73C missiles can be optionally mounted on each side of the turret.[1]
ZSL-08 (Type 08) Armoured Personal CarriBased on IFV variant but the modified crew cabin has a higher ceiling. The Armored Personnel Carrier can be armed either with a manually controlled, armor-plate protected 12.7 machine gun or a remote-controlled weapon st[1]
Type 08 Armored Reconnaissance VehicleArmed with a 30 mm turret, the vehicle has a chassis that is similar to the IFV variant. The Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle will advance before IFVs and assault guns for intelligence gathering. On-board high definition e[1]
PLL-05 Mortar CarrierBased on IFV variant. It is armed with a 120mm dual purpose mortar.[1]
PLL-09 (Type 09) Modular Self-propelled Based on IFV variant. Can be armed with either a 122mm or 155mm howitzer, to provide indirect fire support for infantry.[1]
Type 09 Anti-Air Reconnaissance VehicleArmed with a single barrel 35mm revolving auto cannon, the Air Defense variant has a unique chassis and is equipped with thermal-tracking sight, targeting and surveillance radars. The data collected by the radars can be [1]
Summary

The ZBL-08 (Type 08) Chinese 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is a family of eight-wheeled amphibious, modular armored vehicles developed by Norinco for infantry fire support, battlefield logistics, and quick reaction operations.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
ChinaGabonNigeriaThailandVenezuela
Sources
  1. ZBL-08 (Type 08) Chinese 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY 4.0)