Media: China’s tank revolution signals new era of military power

China possesses the largest tank force on the planet, with approximately 6,800 armored vehicles centered around three core platforms: the Type 99A, Type 96 series, and Type 15 light tank. Together, these vehicles reflect a broader strategy emphasizing modernization, industrial depth, and readiness for sustained conflict, 19FortyFive reports.

The Type 99A serves as China’s premier main battle tank, providing a high-end strike and protection platform. Sources estimate around 1,300 Type 99-series tanks have been produced, roughly 700 of which are upgraded 99A variants. The tank carries a 125-mm smoothbore gun with a carousel autoloader capable of firing armor-piercing, high-explosive, and guided munitions. Its modern fire-control systems, hunter-killer optics, and modular armor—including reactive packages—combine with a 1,500-horsepower engine to deliver competitive mobility and survivability.

The Type 96 family, including the 96A and mobility-enhanced 96B, forms the backbone of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces’ armored brigades. While lacking the 99A’s advanced survivability, the Type 96 offers widespread distribution, upgrade potential, and operational sustainment.

The Type 15 light tank addresses high-altitude operations in regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang. Weighing 33–36 tons, it mounts a 105-mm rifled gun with an autoloader and guided munitions options, powered by a 1,000-horsepower engine with hydropneumatic suspension. Recent imagery shows the PLA conducting readiness drills above 4,500 meters, integrating anti-drone cages and adapting to threats highlighted by recent conflicts like Ukraine.

China’s tank arsenal is supported by a robust industrial base anchored by NORINCO, research institutes, optics producers, and munitions factories. The state can produce and upgrade large numbers of vehicles and has exported modern tanks such as the VT-4 and VT-5. However, independent assessments suggest vulnerabilities remain in centralized production sites, transport networks, and certain foreign-sourced components, which could constrain sustained operations during high-attrition conflicts.

The war in Ukraine has reinforced two lessons for the PLA: armor must survive in drone-saturated environments, and industrial sustainment is critical in protracted conflicts. Chinese sources indicate ongoing efforts to harden logistics, integrate unmanned systems, and improve battlefield resilience.

China’s armored force combines scale, modernization, and readiness. Yet, the PLA’s lack of recent large-scale combat experience leaves key questions about its effectiveness under real combat conditions. How it performs will determine whether it is merely imposing on paper or a truly lethal force in a contested battlefield.

By Vafa Guliyeva