Chinese VT5 Type 15 light tank to get added active protection system.

The VT5, China's made-for-export light tank, is expected to be equipped with an active protection system which will enable the thin-armored tank to significantly expand its defense capability, Liu Xuanzun reports on Global Times.

The VT5, also named Type 15 or ZTQ-15 in the Chinese army (Picture source: screenshot from CCTV)

The VT5, China's made-for-export light tank, is expected to be equipped with an active protection system which will enable the thin-armored tank to significantly expand its defense capability, Liu Xuanzun reports on Global Times

An active protection system could detect incoming hostile projectiles before firing interception rockets to detonate them before they hit the tank, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Saturday. The tank is also equipped with a sensor system that sends a warning when the tank is aimed by a laser beam, which can notify the operators to take evasive maneuvers like releasing smoke, CCTV reported.

The VT5, also named Type 15 or ZTQ-15 in the Chinese army, is a lightweight battle tank designed and manufactured by the Chinese defense company NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation). The VT5 was unveiled to the public during the Zhuhai AirShow China in November 2016. According to NORINCO engineers, the VT5 was developed for the export market.

The VT5 has a weight from 33 to 36 tons depending on the armor fitted to the tank. With this weight, the tank offers more mobility than a standard main battle tank offering the same level of firepower. The power-to-weight ratio is between 27 and 30 hp/ton depending on the armor package. This tank can be used in mountain areas and operate on terrains that are inaccessible to standard main battle tanks which a weight of around 50 tons like the ZTZ99. The VT5 features good battlefield awareness, strong information capabilities and high maneuverability. It is suitable for modern joint operations, according to NORINCO. On December 27, 2018, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense Wu Qian announced that the new Type 15 lightweight tank was commissioned by China's army.