Type 99 (ZTZ-99) MBT

 

Type 99 (ZTZ-99) is a third generation main battle tank built by China Northern Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The tank entered into service with the PLA in 2001.

The fully-stabilised 125mm ZPT98 smoothbore gun equipped with auto-loader provides superior firepower to the ZTZ99, and is capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT and HE-FRAG projectiles, as well as laser-guided anti-tank missiles. The tank is also armed with a 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

The tank features a steel armoured hull with the front portion and turret covered with explosive reactor armour (ERA). Survivability is further enhanced by a countermeasures system and smoke grenade launchers. The turbo-charged 1,500hp diesel engine fitted to the tank provides a maximum speed of 80km/h on road.