China’s NORINCO Completes Delivery of 60 VT-4 Main Battle Tanks To Thailand

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — China’s North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) has announced the completion of the delivery of all 60 units of the VT-4 main battle tanks to the Thai Army.

In a recent statement to international defense media, a spokesperson for the Thai Army revealed that the final batch of 12 VT-4 tanks was delivered to the 6th Cavalry Battalion, based in Khon Kaen in the northeast of the country, in October of last year.

In September of the same year, four VT-4 main battle tanks were delivered to the 21st Cavalry Battalion, stationed in Roi Et.

The company spokesperson declined to comment on whether they are considering additional VT-4 tank acquisitions by the Thai Army, despite speculation suggesting the Southeast Asian nation may require more modern armored vehicles.

Thailand is reported to need approximately 100 more main battle tanks to replace its aging tanks such as the M-41 and M-60.

According to the Chinese company spokesperson, NORINCO has established maintenance and repair facilities in Thailand but did not disclose specific details about them.

 

Earlier, NORINCO had proposed setting up maintenance and repair facilities for its vehicles; however, there is no clear evidence to date that such facilities have been established.

The Thai Army procured the VT-4 main battle tanks through several clear procurement processes in 2016.

Weighing approximately 52 tons, the VT-4 main battle tank, received by Thailand between 2018 and 2019, is equipped with a 125mm cannon, a 1300 horsepower engine, and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).

The delivery of the T-84 Oplot main battle tanks from Ukraine faced challenges, leading Thailand to turn to China for the VT-4 tank orders.

In 2018, Ukraine announced the successful completion of the delivery of all T-84 Oplot tanks to the Thai Army.

As of 2022, the Thai Armed Forces have about 60 VT-4 main battle tanks, along with 283 M60A1 tanks and 105 M48A5 tanks. Additionally, they possess 49 T-84 tanks from Ukraine.

The export version of the VT-4 main battle tank, or MBT-3000, is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore cannon with an automatic loader capable of holding around 22 projectiles and other materials.

t is also armed with a 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm machine gun.

Moreover, the VT-4 main battle tank has the capability to launch guided missiles, including the 9K119 Refleks, with a firing range of up to 5km.

 The tank is operated by a crew of three, including a commander, gunner, and driver. Additionally, it features composite armor and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) for added protection. — DSA