VT-4

During the development of Type 90-II/Al-Khalid (also known as MBT-2000) in the 1980s, the gearbox and engine were originally imported from Germany, but this plan was abandoned due to a Western arms embargo. The powertrain instead was sourced from Ukraine, the same for most Chinese export vehicles at the time.{{cite web|title=VT4|url=http://www.military-today.com/tanks/vt4.htm|website=Military-Today.com|access-date=30 October 2023}}{{dead link|date=December 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

China eventually developed domestic powertrains, which led to the creation of the MBT-3000 program for export customers. MBT-3000 was the successor of the Type-90II (MBT-2000) export tank.{{cite magazine|date=5 December 2014|title=Vt4坦克总设计师：我国坦克炮可击穿1米厚钢装甲|url=https://www.guancha.cn/military-affairs/2014_12_05_302564_s.shtml|magazine=Modern Weaponry|language=zh|via=Guancha|access-date=30 October 2023}} The MBT-3000 project later named as VT-4 began development in 2009 as a co-operation with the First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory and other companies.

The MBT-3000 concept debuted at the 2012 Eurosatory.{{cite web|last=Muhyuddin|first=Ahsan|date=26 November 2014|title=Pakistan Eyes new Chinese Tank, VT-4|url=http://www.asiadespatch.org/2014/11/26/pakistan-eyes-new-chinese-tank-vt-4/|website=Asia Despatch|access-date=13 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716133702/http://www.asiadespatch.org:80/2014/11/26/pakistan-eyes-new-chinese-tank-vt-4|archive-date=16 July 2015|url-status=usurped}} The tank was subsequently shown at the 2014 Norinco Armour Day{{Cite report|date=8 June 2015|script-title=zh:2014年度企业社会责任报告|trans-title=2014 Corporate Social Responsibility Report|url=http://www.norincogroup.com.cn/Upload/2007/2015-06/2015060903.pdf|language=zh|publisher=Norinco|access-date=7 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014009/http://www.norincogroup.com.cn/Upload/2007/2015-06/2015060903.pdf|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=live}} and the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition as the VT-4.

The VT-4 shares many subsystems technology and features from other latest Chinese main battle tanks such as Type 96B and Type 99A. Key examples are an automatic transmission system, 125 mm smoothbore cannon, muzzle reference system, FY-4 ERA, carousel-style autoloader, and overall geometry.

The VT-4 has a ZPT-98A 125 mm smoothbore gun capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT and HE rounds and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles. There is also a remote controlled weapon station on the turret armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. The fire-control system has a panoramic sight with hunter-killer capabilities. The gunner sight features a laser rangefinder and a Thales Catherine-FC thermal imager.

The tank is protected by dual-layer protection consisting of composite armour and FY-4 explosive reactive armour.{{cite web|date=24 April 2020|title=Chinese VT4 tank fitted with FY-IV ERA Explosive Reactive Armour against Tandem Warhead ammunition|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/chinese_vt4_tanks_fitted_with_fy-iv_era_explosive_reactive_armour_against_tandem_warhead_ammunition.html|website=Army Recognition|access-date=30 October 2023}} According to the chief designer Feng Yibai, the frontal protection force is equivalent to 500 mm homogeneous steel armour, and the explosive reactive armour is around 700 mm. The front turret has wedge-shaped armour similar to other contemporary Chinese MBT's and the hull sides have conventional metal sideskirts. The VT-4A1 variant is equipped with a 'hardkill' active protection system designated GL5, defensive grenade launchers and a laser warning device. The vehicle also has an IFF system, NBC protection, explosion-suppression system, fire-extinguishing system and air conditioning.{{cn|date=December 2021}}

According to Norinco, the VT-4 uses a locally produced {{cvt|1,200|hp|0}} VT/E1 diesel engine with torsion bar suspension and an Ch1000B automatic transmission.{{cite web|title=VT-4 MBT / MBT-3000|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/vt-4.htm|website=GlobalSecurity.org|access-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213181120/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/vt-4.htm|archive-date=13 February 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hoffman|first=Mike|date=14 June 2012|title=China Displays Air Defense Missile and Tank Under Development|url=http://defensetech.org/2012/06/14/china-displays-ads-and-tank-under-development/|website=Defense Tech|access-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112073008/http://defensetech.org/2012/06/14/china-displays-ads-and-tank-under-development/|archive-date=12 November 2015|url-status=usurped}}{{cite news|last=Zhao|first=Lei|date=5 June 2015|title=Tank maker seeks to increase exports on land armaments|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2015-06/05/content_20913353.htm|newspaper=China Daily|access-date=6 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030458/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2015-06/05/content_20913353.htm|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=live}} Steering and acceleration is handled by a steering wheel and automatic gear transmission. VT-4 is also capable of neutral steering.

The tank is also integrated with digital communications systems for tank to tank communication and communication between commanders.

;MBT-3000: Prototype.

;VT-4: Production model.

;VT-4A1: Improved model with a modified turret. The new turret features radar panels, repositioned grenade dischargers, new hard-kill active protection system and a launcher for small attack drones.{{cite web|date=7 November 2022|title=At AirShow China 2022 unveiling of new VT4A1 Main Battle Tank with more protection and firepower|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2022_global_security_army_industry/at_airshow_china_2022_unveiling_of_new_vt4a1_main_battle_tank_with_more_protection_and_firepower.html|website=Army Recognition|access-date=30 October 2023}}

;Haider: Locally assembled Pakistani variant.

;VN20: Heavy infantry fighting vehicle.

• {{NGA}} − 6+ in service as of 2025.
• {{PAK}} − 680 ordered in 2023.
• {{THA}} − 62 in service as of 2025.

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}

• {{commons category-inline|VT-4 tanks}}

{{Norinco|state=expanded}}

{{PRCAFVs}}

{{Post–Cold War tanks|style=wide}}

Category:Main battle tanks of China

Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2010s

Category:Norinco

Category:Post–Cold War main battle tanks

Category:Tanks with autoloaders