Thailand Receives Final Batch of VT-4 Battle Tanks From China

The Thai Army has received 10 new Norinco VT-4 battle tanks from China - the final batch of an order estimated at around 50 units. The capabilities of the new platform were first displayed to the Thai armed forces in January 2018, with the the commander at the Royal Thai Army Cavalry Centre announcing to the press his satisfaction with VT-4, calling it a world class advanced tank with a excellent informatisation, manoeuvrability and firepower. It was revealed at the time by Thai Army chief General Chalermchai Sitthisart that China and Thailand would jointly build a repair and maintenance centre for the VT-4 to service the platforms. The centre would serve VT-4 tanks across Southeast Asia where further exports were expected.

Thailand’s armed forces remain among the most modern in Southeast Asia, and have increasingly come to rely on advanced Chinese weapons systems such as Type 054A Class frigates to maintain a modern warfighting capability. As one of the few major regional military powers alongside Myanmar which do not have any significant territorial disputes with China, Bangkok is expected to rely on Chinese weapons systems to furnish a growing portion of its armed forces. Thai armoured units were previously comprised of obsolete M60 and M48 battle tanks from the United States, designs dating back in their service to 1960 and 1953 respectively, which were augmented by a small contingent of T-84 battle tanks from Ukraine. Significant delays with the Ukrainian delivery, and the low efficiency and cost effectiveness of Ukraine’s relatively small production lines for armoured vehicles, have forced Thailand to look to other sources to modernise its frontline armour. The VT-4 is highly prized for its low operational cost, which means that large numbers can be fielded and crews can train frequently in operating the vehicles without high expenses.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for its part has not placed orders for the VT-4, and much like the JF-17 lightweight fighter jet the tank appears to have been designed exclusively for export. The platform integrates advanced technologies including protection, sensor and weapons systems derived from those of the Type 99A main battle tank - a more costly and heavier platform in PLA service. The tanks delivered to Thailand integrate a number of modern technologies including composite and explosive reactive armour, laser warning devices, an explosion suppression system and a GL5 active protection system. A light derivative of the VT-4, the ZTQ-15, has reportedly been developed to deploy from the PLA’s amphibious assault ships such as the Type 075 Class, providing Chinese forces with experience operating many of the same subsystems as those integrated onto the VT-4 used by Thailand and other export clients. Thailand is reportedly considering fielding over 200 VT-4 tanks, and a sale of Chinese next generation fighter jets to the country to replace the ageing Western designs currently in service has also been highlighted as a considerable possibility.