Zimbabwe receives Chinese PTL-02 6x6 assault gun tank destroyer armored vehicle.

On December 13, 2023, Zimbabwe received a batch of military equipment from China, valued at approximately 28 million U.S. dollars, as part of its efforts to modernize its armed forces. This development, confirmed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his Twitter account, marks an update to the country's military arsenal.
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 Chinese PTL-02 105mm 6x6 assault gun tank destroyer armored vehicle stands out for its high mobility and operational efficiency. (Picture source: Zimbabwe OPC)

The delivery, which took place at the Inkomo Mechanized Brigade, northwest of Harare, included various types of advanced military equipment. Among these were the Norinco PTL-02 6x6 assault gun tank destroyer armored vehicle, also called WMA-301, and numerous WZ551 6x6 armored personnel carriers.

The PTL-02, a 105mm tank destroyer, utilizes the highly mobile, reliable, and cost-effective WMZ551 6x6 wheeled chassis. This vehicle is equipped with a 105mm tank gun designed for low recoil, enhancing its capability to fire a variety of 105mm tank ammunition. Additionally, the PTL-02 can launch 105mm gun-launched laser-beam riding missiles, effectively extending its engagement range up to 5km, particularly against main battle tanks. Featuring a blend of versatile combat functions and advanced comprehensive capabilities, the PTL-02 105mm 6x6 assault gun tank destroyer armored vehicle stands out for its high mobility and operational efficiency.

The WZ551s are available in several configurations, some with a turret for a 25mm cannon and others with a turret equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The Type WZ 551, also known as Type 90, is a versatile wheeled armored vehicle, developed by NORINCO and first seen in prototype form in 1986. Although it bears superficial similarities to the French VAB, particularly in its general design, the Type WZ 551 is distinguished by its unique features such as dimensions, weight, and various technical aspects.

In addition to these combat vehicles, the consignment included ambulances, motorized water purifiers, patrol boats, and minibusses, as well as various weapons, including sniper rifles, machine guns, and pistols. The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) described this acquisition as a significant update for the country's armed forces.

President Mnangagwa acknowledged the receipt of these equipments, highlighting their role in strengthening the operational capabilities of Zimbabwe's defense forces. This update of Zimbabwe's military arsenal comes in the context of the ongoing modernization of the country's armed forces.

The receipt of these military equipments by Zimbabwe is part of the development and modernization of the country's defense capabilities. It demonstrates Zimbabwe's continued efforts to improve its military efficiency and response capacity within the framework of its defense and security commitments.