Crews from the Royal Thai Army have reported a series of operational failures with the Chinese-made VT-4 battle tanks, pointing out recurring reliability issues in both training and real combat situations.
According to military personnel with direct experience with the equipment, these defects become more frequent as the vehicle is used more intensively.
Among the main concerns is the performance of the main gun during prolonged fire. Operators claim that, when exceeding the considered safe limits, the barrel shows accelerated wear and, in extreme cases, there have been reports of rupture. Additionally, failures in the electronic systems and propulsion units have been regularly reported, directly compromising mission execution on the battlefield.
Criticism also extends to the protection and mobility of the VT-4. According to the crews, the side armor is insufficient against modern threats, while the slow turret rotation reduces the ability to react in dynamic combat situations.
In light of this, some Thai officers have started recommending greater priority for units equipped with Patton tanks and BM Oplot tanks, especially after reports that VT-4 vehicles have already been targeted by attacks from Cambodian forces.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @TheDeadDistrict | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
A🇹🇭Thai VT-4 Tank hit by a 120mm Shrapnel, damaging the gun barrel, leaving a hole, now sent back for repairs and would recover full combat ability after a couple days.pic.twitter.com/qSx186Tp0p
— PLA Military Updates (@PLA_MilitaryUpd) January 6, 2026
