VT-4

Armament

The VT-4 has a ZPT-98A 125 mm smoothbore gun capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT and HE rounds and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles. There is also a remote controlled weapon station on the turret armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. The fire-control system has a panoramic sight with hunter-killer capabilities. The gunner sight features a laser rangefinder and a Thales Catherine-FC thermal imager.

Protection

The tank is protected by dual-layer protection consisting of composite armour and FY-4 explosive reactive armour. According to the chief designer Feng Yibai, the frontal protection force is equivalent to 500 mm homogeneous steel armour, and the explosive reactive armour is around 700 mm.[5] The front turret has wedge-shaped armour similar to other contemporary Chinese MBT's and the hull sides have conventional metal sideskirts. The VT-4A1 variant is equipped with a "hardkill" active protection system designated GL5, defensive grenade launchers and a laser warning device.[5] The vehicle also has an IFF system, NBC protection, explosion-suppression system, fire-extinguishing system and air conditioning.

Mobility

According to Norinco, the VT-4 uses a locally produced 1,200 hp VT/E1 diesel engine with torsion bar suspension and an Ch1000B automatic transmission.[5][8][9] Steering and acceleration is handled by a steering wheel and automatic gear transmission.[5] VT-4 is also capable of neutral steering.

Command and control

The tank is also integrated with digital communications systems for tank to tank communication and communication between commanders.[5]

China

During the Zhuhai Airshow in 2024, a VT-4 tank brokedown and stalled during a dynamic display organised by Norinco.[10] The tank reportedly broke down when climbing an artificial hill and remained there until all other equipment finished their display.

Nigeria

In 2020, Nigeria received the first batch of VT-4 from Norinco. The tank had the first combat debut during Operation Tura Takai Bango.[11] As of 2025, one VT-4 had been confirmed destroyed during combat with Boko Haram.[12] A Nigerian VT-4 reportedly failed to fire the main gun during a display for high-ranking military official.[12]

Thailand

In February 2016, the RTA allocated $255 million for fiscal years from 2016 to 2018 to purchase new MBT to replace the M41 Walker Bulldog in service since the Vietnam War era. Previously, Thailand purchased 49 T-84s from Ukraine in 2011 with scheduled delivery by 2015;[13] however, Ukraine faced issues in manufacturing, and delivery only began in 2014. Therefore, Thailand decided to look for different manufacturer, and short listed three MBTS: the Russian T-90S, the South Korean K1A1, and the Chinese VT-4.[14]

In May 2016, Thai signed a $150 million agreement with Norinco to purchase 28 VT-4s.[15][16]

On 4 April 2017, Thai cabinet approved the purchase of 10 VT-4s worth $58 million as a second batch.[17][18]

The VT-4 was first displayed by the Thai military in January 2018 after the first units were delivered in October the preceding year. Following the VT-4's demonstration the commander at the Royal Thai Army Cavalry Centre expressed his satisfaction with the VT-4 to the press, calling it a world class advanced tank with an excellent informatization, manoeuvrability and firepower.[19] On 16 January 2019, Thai media reported that the RTA plans for purchasing 14 VT-4s at $72.5 million.[20]

On 8 November 2023, Norinco disclosed that it has completed deliveries of 60 VT-4s to Thailand.[21]

In December 2025, a VT-4 main battle tank operated by the Royal Thai Army (RTA) suffered an accident during combat operations near the border between Thailand and Cambodia, with its 125mm main gun barrel rupturing and damaging external systems.[22] These incidents may have been the result of barrel wear from prolonged firing exceeding the optimal barrel lifespan, which could have precipitated the failure, a known vulnerability in high-pressure smoothbore guns.[22]