The use of the VT-4 by the Thai military is a particularly interesting development, given that Thailand is one of the largest purchasers of American weapons in the world.
The VT-4 Main Battle Tank (MBT), also known as the MBT-3000, represents a significant advancement in the Royal Thai Army’s armored capabilities. Developed by China’s famed Norinco state-run defense conglomerate for export, this third-generation tank has been integrated into Thailand’s military arsenal to bolster defense readiness amid regional tensions.
The recent border clashes between Thailand and neighboring Cambodia marked the first time that the VT-4 was deployed into a combat zone. Indeed, the VT-4 represents Thailand’s shift towards modern, cost-effective weaponry—particularly in light of the recent war.
The VT-4 Tank’s Specifications
- Year Introduced: 2017
- Number Built: Unknown (likely several hundred)
- Length: 10.1 m (33 ft)
- Total weight, battle ready: 52 tonnes
- Suspensions: Torsion bars
- Engine: VT/E1 V12 diesel engine; 1,200 hp
- Armament: 125mm smoothbore cannon equipped with autoloader; remotely operated 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun; coaxial 7.62mm machine gun
- Top speed: ~43 mph (69 kph)
- Range: 311 mi (500 km)
- Crew: 3 (commander, driver, gunner)
The VT-4 tank is equipped with modern defensive innovations, including explosive reactive armor (ERA) modules, smoke grenades, and an active protection system to counter incoming threats. The tank also reportedly has thermal imaging capabilities, enhancing its situational awareness; its advanced fire control system allows the commander and gunner to engage targets independently, even in low-visibility conditions. These specifications position the VT-4 as a peer to modern tanks like China’s Type 99A, emphasizing firepower, mobility, and survivability.
How Thailand Has Used the VT-4 Tank
Thailand’s journey with the VT-4 began in 2016 with an initial order of 28 units, followed by subsequent batches to modernize its armored fleet. By November 2023, Norinco had completed delivery of all ordered tanks—bringing the total to 60 VT-4 MBTs in the Royal Thai Army’s inventory. These tanks are primarily assigned to cavalry units, replacing outdated models like the M41 Walker Bulldog. The final batch of VT-4s arrived in 2023, and were fully integrated into the armed forces as of 2024.
Initially launched in 2018, the VT-4s underwent rigorous testing, including modifications for local conditions and exercises demonstrating capabilities like smokescreen deployment. By 2024, they had participated in joint drills to replace older assets.
Earlier this year, amid escalating border disputes with Cambodia, VT-4 tanks were deployed in real-world scenarios. On July 26, units were positioned to cut off Cambodian supply routes, and by July 27, they engaged to repel incursions, showcasing their mobility and firepower in defensive operations. This deployment, alongside T-84 tanks, highlighted the VT-4’s role in rapid response and territorial defense.
The use of the VT-4 by the Royal Thai Army is a particularly interesting development, given that Thailand is one of the largest purchasers of US-made defense goods in the world. Indeed, Thailand is considered to be a “major non-NATO ally” of the United States. The Cambodians, on the other hand, overwhelmingly purchased Chinese military equipment and used them in their war with Thailand. But Thailand’s purchase went to show that Bangkok is not exclusively reliant on American military goods—and China is happy to sell its equipment wherever it can find buyers.
Cheap and apparently very effective, the VT-4 represents China’s bid to displace the more expensive and complex American military systems with cheaper though alternatives of their own construction in the Global South. This conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, therefore, was a proving ground for Chinese-made military equipment. Thus far, all the equipment appears to have performed well—and Norinco is likely to experience a resurgence in foreign military sales as a result.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / sivapornphaiboon1983.
