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China has upgraded the VT-4 battle tank already used by the Pakistan Army, adding thicker armour, a larger gun and new sensors to detect incoming threats, the South China Morning Post reported on Sunday.
For India, the question is whether Pakistan will add the upgraded variant to its armoured fleet. Islamabad’s interest in the new model, however, remains unclear.
The variant, believed to be called the VT-4B, is expected to go on display at the Zhuhai airshow from December 7 to 13. China developed the VT-4 mainly for export, and the tank is in service with Pakistan, Thailand and Nigeria.
Pakistan signed a deal with China to acquire 679 more VT-4 tanks, with plans for local assembly and production under licence under the name Haider, according to the Stockholm Peace Research Institute’s arms transfer database.
WHAT CHINA HAS CHANGED
Images circulating since Friday show thicker explosive reactive armour on the front and sides of the tank. The armour extends farther down the front of the hull and covers parts of the running gear, the *Post* reported.
The most visible change is on top of the turret, where a remotely operated 30 mm gun replaces the usual 12.7 mm machine gun. The larger gun is intended to give the crew more firepower against drones, loitering munitions and troops carrying anti-tank weapons, the report said.
The upgraded tank also appears to have the GL-6 active protection system seen on recent Chinese battle tanks. Its radars monitor the area around the vehicle, while its launchers are designed to intercept incoming threats before they hit.
NEW SENSORS AND COMMUNICATIONS
The commander’s sight appears to have been replaced by a separately mounted sensor that uses visible light and infrared imaging. New antennas could also allow the tank to share data faster with other vehicles.
The images show a small radio-frequency array next to the remotely operated gun. Its purpose remains unclear. The *Post* said observers had suggested it could be a radar to help aim the gun or a device to disrupt incoming drones.
Some of the new equipment resembles systems fitted to China’s newer Type 100 and upgraded Type 99B tanks, the report said. The VT-4B retains the basic design of a third-generation main battle tank.
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