Chinese media have reported that the first VT-4 tanks for Pakistan are ready for shipping. If the acquisition is confirmed this country would become the third operator after Thailand and Nigeria.
VT-4 (MBT-3000 for export) was designed by Norinco as an evolution of Type-90-II and incorporating technology from Type-99, which is the most advanced tank in People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Pakistan had also evaluated Ukraine's T-84M Oplot. No details have been provided on the reasons for choosing the VT-4, but Ukraine has struggled to manufacture Oplot in series. It is also very likely that China offered better financing.
In terms of performance, VT-4 is comparable with Western and Russian types. It has a 125mm gun, ERA and composite armour and a 1,200 HP engine. The commander has a panoramic sight with a thermal camera.
VT-4 (MBT-3000 for export) was designed by Norinco as an evolution of Type-90-II and incorporating technology from Type-99, which is the most advanced tank in People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Pakistan had also evaluated Ukraine's T-84M Oplot. No details have been provided on the reasons for choosing the VT-4, but Ukraine has struggled to manufacture Oplot in series. It is also very likely that China offered better financing.
In terms of performance, VT-4 is comparable with Western and Russian types. It has a 125mm gun, ERA and composite armour and a 1,200 HP engine. The commander has a panoramic sight with a thermal camera.
References:
- https://bmpd.livejournal.com/4001791.html
