Pakistan inducts new Chinese-built MBTs
It can be confirmed that the Pakistan Army is now using the Norinco VT4 MBT, after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a press release on 22 September showing the tank being inducted into the army.
A mobility and live-fire demonstration was attended by Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of Army Staff, at a firing range near Jhelum. Bajwa expressed ‘satisfaction’ with the tank’s capabilities.
The release stated the VT4 would ‘be employed in offensive role by strike formations after induction’. In typical partisan fashion, it said the VT4 ‘has further strengthened Pakistan’s overall defence capability to thwart enemy
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026]()
The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026
2025 was a busy year for the land domain and 2026 looks set to be just as big. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill analyses some of the major trends we are likely to see in the year ahead.
-
![Can Iranian air defence systems compete for exports?]()
Can Iranian air defence systems compete for exports?
Iran’s defence industry is now producing a range of surface-to-air missile systems and has begun to market them internationally. Using what appears to be a mixture of original and reverse-engineered elements, how do they stack up compared to other countries’ offerings?
-
![Land forces review: howitzers in the spotlight and Germany spends big to close the year]()
Land forces review: howitzers in the spotlight and Germany spends big to close the year
December saw several milestones on the howitzer front with billions of dollars worth of orders placed and Germany committing to more 6×6 and 4×4 vehicles. Taiwan was also approved for equipment orders worth $11 billion even as the year came to an end with China encircling the country as part of an exercise.
