China supplies the latest VT-4 tanks equipped with a new active protection system to Bangladesh - !
On August 12, according to the American "Military Watch Magazine" (MWM), the VT-4 main battle tank was first seen in Bangladesh Army camouflage paint, which has sparked speculation that a related procurement contract may have been signed.
It is reported that this appearance of the VT-4 is an improved model, integrating the new GL-5 hard-kill active protection system that has not yet been purchased by other customers. The VT-4 is produced for export, and has been extensively procured by Pakistan and Thailand, and Algeria is also conducting an evaluation.
The tank uses composite armor and FY-4 explosive reactive armor, providing protection equivalent to about 700 mm of homogeneous armor thickness. It is expected that the VT-4 will gradually replace more than 100 Cold War-era Type 59 tanks based on the Soviet T-55 that are currently in service with the Bangladesh Army.
The Bangladesh Army currently has more than 250 main battle tanks supplied by China, including the Type 59, improved Type 69, and the export-oriented Type 90-II (produced in the 2000s). In 2022, Bangladesh also purchased the VT-5 light tank, becoming the only overseas user of this model, replacing its current Type 62 light tanks.
The VT-5 is designed for amphibious and mountainous operations, providing an advantage for the Chinese military in the India-Tibet border area. Active protection systems, as an emerging technology, are not yet widely used in this region. Purchasing an upgraded VT-4 will enable Bangladesh to possess the most advanced main battle tanks in South and Southeast Asia.
The VT-4 is equipped with a 125 mm main gun, compatible with various advanced ammunition, among which the armor-piercing shell is considered to be the best in the world. Although its performance is not as good as the 99A heavy tanks used by China's elite forces, the VT-4 adopts many similar technologies, has a lower procurement cost, and is easier to maintain and operate.
Given the Ukraine-Russia war has limited Russia, the traditional largest tank exporter, its supply capacity, the VT-4 has gained significant opportunities in the international market.
In addition, it is reported that the Bangladesh armed forces are also considering purchasing a variety of Chinese equipment, including the J-10C and JF-17 Block 3 "4+ generation" fighter jets.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840231452662788/
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