Post-coup instability has severely affected Myanmar's economy
However, this is still one of the countries with a highly appreciated army force in Southeast Asia
Due to its geographical location, 75% of the area is covered by mountains and forests, it is difficult for main battle tanks to play a role in armed conflicts
Therefore, light tanks or tank destroyers are preferred by Myanmar armored forces
During a military parade on March 27, 2022, the new light tank of the Myanmar armed forces was unveiled, the MMT-40, with a 105mm main gun
The MMT-40 is said to be developed on the chassis of the Russian-made 2S1 Gvozdika tracked self-propelled howitzer
fitted with a new Chinese-made two-man turret armed with a 105 mm cannon
It is not yet known how many will go into service
It should be noted that the Chinese turret is also mounted on the WMA301 105mm 6x6 wheeled fire support armored vehicle
a modified export version of the Chinese-made PTL02, also in service with the Myanmar army
The main gun of the MMT-40 is compatible with all standard NATO ammunition, including APFSDS, HEAT, and HE
In addition, it is also possible to use a 105-mm anti-tank missile with laser guidance
The turret appears to be equipped with a new fire control system and laser rangefinder
In general, the MMT-40 light tank is a tracked version of the WMA301 wheeled fire support armored vehicle
which fills the gap between the main battle tank and the wheeled tank destroyer
It is based on the chassis of the 2S1 self-propelled howitzer, so the defense is not strong
Hull and turret are of welded steel armor construction. Protection is against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters
Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system. Of course, Myanmar may make corresponding improvements to enhance its defense capabilities
In theory, the MMT-40 inherits the maneuverability of the 2S1
which is equipped with a V-8 water-cooled 4-stroke diesel engine developing 300 hp coupled to a manual transmission with 5 forward and 1 reverse gears
It can run at a maximum road speed of 62 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 500 km
Vehicle is amphibious. Maximum speed on water is 4.5 km/h
With the increasingly intensified armed conflicts in various parts of Myanmar, it is expected that the MMT-40 light tanks will soon be in service
which will give the Myanmar army more advantages in low-intensity conflicts in the country