9 October 2024

China Massively Upgrades T-99 Main Battle Tank

Jim Morris

China reportedly is upgrading its ZTZ-99 main battle tank, adding an advanced protection system that includes two projectile launchers and four fire control radars.

That’s according to ArmyRecognition.com, which published a photo that was posted on X that is said to offer evidence that the tank is being upgraded.

The ZTZ-99 is China’s third-generation main battle tank. It’s based on the Soviet T-72 tank chassis, but that’s where the similarity ends. The ZTZ-99 entered service in 1999, and current versions are equipped with a 125mm main gun – called by some an unlicensed version of Soviet and Russian designs.

It also has advanced composite armor and explosive reactive armor and has a protection system, known as the GL-6, that is said to be capable of intercepting anti-tank missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and other projectiles. The upgraded version’s protection system apparently is an improvement on the GL-6.

More than 1,300 ZTZ-99s (also known as the Type 99) have been built in the last two decades. It’s not believed to have been used in combat yet.

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