China is preparing for the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, and one of the highlights will be the Type 99A tank, considered the most advanced in the People’s Liberation Army.
Developed by Norinco based on the Soviet T-72 platform, the vehicle entered service in 2011 and features innovations in firepower, mobility, and protection. It is estimated that around 700 units are currently in service.
The Type 99A weighs 55 tons, is crewed by three soldiers, and has a 125mm gun capable of firing various types of ammunition, including anti-tank guided missiles with a range of up to 5 km. The tank also features reactive armor, a 1,500 hp engine, a top speed of 80 km/h, and state-of-the-art fire control systems. Among its differentiators is the ability to engage multiple targets and the use of laser weapons to blind or damage enemy sensors.
Designed to operate in high-altitude terrains like the Tibetan Plateau, the Type 99A has already been deployed in areas of dispute between China and India. Its role on the battlefield is seen as strategic, both in offensives and in defense against land and air threats.
Combining firepower, agility, and integration into joint operations, the model is considered one of the pillars of China’s land forces and is already inspiring a more advanced version, the future Type 99B.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photo: X @sugar_wsnbn | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
中国の新型戦車が軽戦車かと言われるとそれはちょっとね。
双离谱のあだ名は伊達でなく、設計的にはPLAから重型軽型戦車の分類を無くし中国全軍全土で運用可能となる次世代戦車。
内部の保守的な意見が考慮されなければ本来は99A式、15式、96A式の全てを更新し陸軍にも陸戦隊にも配備されるべき車両。 https://t.co/k5YceRzKHD pic.twitter.com/iHtwBnfHXt— お砂糖wsnbn (@sugar_wsnbn) August 17, 2025
