Chinese VT4 battle tank. Photo: X @new27brigade
A main battle tank VT4, manufactured by Norinco (China North Industries Corporation), suffered a mechanical failure and became immobilized during a dynamic display at the Zhuhai Air Show, one of the most important events for China’s defense industry.
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The incident occurred during a demonstration intended to showcase the vehicle’s advanced capabilities but instead drew attention to reliability issues.
According to reports, the tank, primarily designed for export markets, failed before completing its display and remained stationary until the end of the show. This event is a major blow to the expectations surrounding the VT4, which has already been purchased by countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, and Nigeria. The breakdown, showcased on such a prominent stage, could raise concerns among current operators and potential buyers about the model’s performance in real-world operating conditions.
This incident recalls a similar event that occurred in 2016 when a Chinese Type-96B tank suffered a mechanical failure during the “Tank Biathlon” competition in Russia. This mechanized military competition, organized by the Russian army, also exposed vulnerabilities in the reliability of Chinese military equipment.
The VT4, promoted as a third-generation tank with advanced fire control systems and modern combat capabilities, is one of the highlights of China’s defense industry. However, the failure during the Zhuhai Air Show raises doubts about the quality of some of China’s military exports at a time when the country is trying to expand its presence in the global arms market.
Source: defence-blog, X @new27brigade. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
