China completes delivery of 60 VT-4 tanks to Royal Thai Army.

As reported on Russian social media on November 9, 2023, China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) officially announced the successful delivery of 60 VT-4 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to the Royal Thai Army (RTA) during the Defense & Security 2023 event in Bangkok. A Norinco representative confirmed that the final 12 tanks were handed over to the 6th Cavalry Battalion RTA in Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand, in October. In a preceding delivery, the 21st Cavalry Battalion at Roi Et, also in northeast Thailand, received five VT-4s in September.
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Thailand received a total of 60 VT-4 Main Battle Tanks manufactured by the Chinese company Norinco. (Picture source: Russian social media)

As of 2022, Thailand's tank inventory comprised 38 Chinese VT-4s, along with 283 American tanks, including 53 M60A1s, 125 M60A3s, and 105 M48A5s. Additionally, the Thai Ground Forces possessed 49 Ukrainian T-84 Oplot tanks, while 50 Chinese Type 69 tanks were held in storage for future use.

The VT-4, recognized as the export version of the MBT-3000 Main Battle Tank, is a product of China's NORINCO (China North Industries Group Corporation) and was first unveiled at the French International Defense Exhibition Eurosatory in June 2012.

Armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun featuring an automatic loader capable of holding up to 22 projectiles and charges, the VT-4 carries a total of 38 rounds of main ammunition, including kinetic energy penetrators, high explosive squash heads, and high explosive anti-tank warheads. The tank is also equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm remote weapon station, designed for engaging both ground and aerial targets.

Additionally, the VT-4 can launch guided missiles, such as the 9K119 Refleks missile, with a range of up to 5 km. Operated by a crew of three, consisting of a commander, gunner, and driver, the tank features reinforced composite armor and can be fitted with explosive reactive armor (ERA) for enhanced defense. The latest models are equipped with ERA Level FY-4 for upgraded protection.

Powered by a water-cooled turbocharged diesel engine delivering 1,300 horsepower, the VT-4 achieves a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and a cruising range of 500 km. It can ford water to a depth of 4 to 5 m, navigate trenches up to 2.7 m wide, surmount gradients of up to 60%, and handle vertical obstacles up to 1.2 m high.

The tank's advanced features include a stabilized fire control system with second-generation cooled thermal imager sights, a laser range finder, a roof-mounted stabilized panoramic sight for target acquisition by the commander, collective NBC protection, IFF capabilities, the GL5 active protection system, a fire extinguisher, air conditioning, and an explosion suppression system. The active protection system is linked to laser threat warnings with smoke shell launchers, and the driver's position is equipped with a rear camera and monitor to enhance visibility during reverse driving.