China Tests VU-T10 UGV Tank to Redefine the Future of Autonomous Fire Support.

As battlefield automation becomes a defining feature of future warfare, China is expanding its lead in the development of ground-based autonomous systems. China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) has recently conducted trials of its new heavy unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), the VU-T10, marking another step in the integration of robotics into ground combat operations. First unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2024, the system is now drawing increased attention following the release on July 20, 2025, of official footage posted on Norinco’s social media showing the UGV in action.
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Screenshot from the video released by Norinco of the VU-AO UGV test (Picture source: Weibo Channel @Norinco )

In the footage, the VU-T10 is seen maneuvering across rough terrain and engaging targets with its 30 mm main cannon. Although Norinco did not provide specific results of the test, the images clearly indicate the company’s intent to position the platform as a remote-controlled fire support asset for ground forces. Based on a tracked chassis, the VU-T10 is remotely operated from a command-and-control vehicle. According to Janes estimates, the platform measures 3.8 meters in length, 2.4 meters in width, 2 meters in height, and weighs approximately 12 tons.

Its standard armament includes a 30 mm cannon, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and what appears to be tandem anti-tank rockets. It can also be equipped with Red Arrow 12 anti-tank guided missiles, enabling it to engage targets beyond the reach of its cannon and expanding its operational envelope. Electrically triggered smoke grenade launchers enhance its self-defense capability in contested environments.

The VU-T10 is functionally similar to an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), designed to provide direct fire support to dismounted troops and limited transport capability. The choice of a 30 mm cannon as its main weapon reflects a focus on versatility: it can neutralize lightly armored vehicles, engage unprotected targets, breach non-reinforced structures, and threaten low-flying aerial targets such as drones.

Norinco reports the vehicle is electrically powered and capable of reaching a maximum road speed of 60 km/h. This electric propulsion, combined with off-road mobility, allows the system to operate effectively in high-intensity environments where responsiveness and reduced acoustic and thermal signatures are essential. Alongside the VU-T10, Norinco is developing a broader family of unmanned ground platforms, including an 8×8 logistics UGV referred to as the “mule,” designed to transport supplies to forward positions. Together, these systems form a coherent product line aimed at military forces seeking to replace aging fleets with autonomous vehicles suited to modern combat requirements.

One of the VU-T10’s notable characteristics lies in its competitive advantage over other armed UGVs. Beyond firepower and modularity, it is designed to function as part of a broader architecture of algorithmic warfare promoted by Norinco. The footage also showcases other systems developed by the firm, such as the Machine Wolf quadruped robot, various aerial drones, laser-based counter-UAS weapons, surface-to-air missiles, howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers, all operating in coordination with ISR platforms. According to Global Times, this demonstration reflects China’s efforts to implement a “complete chain of unmanned warfare equipment” under a MUM-T (manned-unmanned teaming) doctrine, aiming to increase the reach and accuracy of strikes through the integration of crewed and uncrewed systems.

A Norinco spokesperson, quoted by the Global Times, confirmed that the company has reallocated significant resources to the development of ground and aerial drones as well as anti-drone systems, in alignment with broader doctrinal trends focused on informatization, intelligentization, and network-centric warfare. The deployment of systems such as the VU-T10 illustrates China’s push to structurally transform its approach to land combat.

As of now, Norinco has not announced any confirmed export contracts for the VU-T10. However, according to state media sources, the company has promoted its UGV platforms at several defense exhibitions in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, suggesting an active export strategy.

The VU-T10 is emerging as a disruptive platform in the UGV landscape. Its firepower, modular configuration, integration into algorithm-driven warfare networks, and position within a broader family of robotic ground systems point to a deliberate shift in China’s approach to military robotics. Through this development, Beijing continues to signal its strategic interest in autonomous capabilities and its intention to influence a rapidly evolving global defense market.