China is gradually changing the game in the arms export market
As for the main battle tank, the Chinese VT4 has been exported to Nigeria, Pakistan, and Thailand, and has gradually gained the trust of customers
Most recently, at AirShow China 2022, China launched the latest upgraded version of this MBT series, the VT4A1, with more protection and firepower
The VT4 was first shown at the Eurosatory Defense Show in June 2012, also known as the MBT-3000, built specifically for the export market
The VT-4 shares many subsystems technology and features from other latest Chinese MBT's such as Type 96B and Type 99A
Key examples are automatic transmission system, 125mm smoothbore cannon
muzzle reference system, FY-4 ERA, carousel style autoloader and overall geometry
The VT4A1 is now fitted with an Active Protection System (APS) and is able to launch small attack drones
Each side of the roof turret is equipped with a launcher unit, consists of two tube launches able to fire the countermeasure on 360° around the tank
Each launcher is able to launch High Explosive-fragmentation grenades used to intercept different types of threats
including ATGMs, RPGs and HEAT rounds
The VT4A1 gets significantly enhanced protection, with a new armor pack
In fact, the design of the front and sides of the turret is slightly different from the original VT4
The sides of the hull are also fitted with new armor plates which protect the entire upper part of the suspension
The VT4A1 maintains the original suspension consisting of six large dual rubber-tired road wheels
with the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear, and track return rollers
A new explosive reactive armor is fitted on the roof of the turret, which increases the tank's protection against attacks from the air or by drones
The tank also seems to be equipped with a new panoramic sight
There is no confirmed information about the new power pack
Most likely it still retains the Turbocharged diesel engine with 1,300 horsepower
The original VT4 had a top speed of up to 70 km/h, and a range of 500 km
It is not clear if the maneuverability of the VT4A1 will change with the new upgrade packages