A new batch of Type 15 (VT5) light tanks supplied by China has arrived in Bangladesh, reinforcing military cooperation between the two countries.
The information was shared on the social media platform X by the Defense Research Forum profile, which posted an image of the vehicles being unloaded at the Port of Chittagong.
+ Tejas Fighter Crashes in India, Reigniting Debate Over Mk-1 Fleet Reliability
In recent years, China has remained the main supplier of military equipment to Bangladesh. In 2019, the Bangladeshi government ordered 44 Type 15 units to replace the aging Type 62 light tanks, considered obsolete. In September 2021, the first units were delivered to the Bangladesh Army, making the country the first international customer of the model.
Technical features of the Type 15
The Type 15 is a light tank weighing approximately 36 tons. Its main armament consists of a 105 mm rifled gun equipped with an autoloader system, capable of carrying 38 rounds. The vehicle is also fitted with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on top of the turret.
The observation system includes modern sighting equipment for both the gunner and the commander, featuring thermal imaging channels. The engine delivers 1,000 horsepower, enabling a top speed of up to 70 km/h on roads and between 35 and 40 km/h on rough terrain. Operational range is estimated at up to 450 kilometers, with a crew of three personnel.
In terms of mobility, the tank can cross trenches up to 2.7 meters wide, ford water obstacles up to 1.1 meters deep, and overcome vertical obstacles up to 85 centimeters high.
Strategic capability and air transport
One of the Type 15’s key advantages is its compatibility with strategic airlift. The Chinese heavy transport aircraft Xian Y-20 is capable of carrying two tank units simultaneously, expanding rapid force projection capabilities across different theaters.
The new delivery strengthens the modernization process of Bangladesh’s armored forces and consolidates China’s presence as a strategic partner in the country’s defense sector.
A new batch of VT-5 light tanks from China has arrived at Chattogram Port for the Bangladesh Army. https://t.co/W6w2SpJbzZ pic.twitter.com/SPY6nUuS0M
— Defence research forum DRF (@Defres360) February 16, 2026
Source and images: X @Defres360. Content produced with AI support and reviewed by the editorial team.
