Thailand to buy VN16s from China
The Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) has chosen Chinese-built VN16 amphibious light tanks armed with a 105mm gun for deployment on its upcoming Type 071E landing platform dock (LPD) ship.
On 8 September, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) announced it would purchase three VN16s, the export version of the ZTD-05A, from Norinco for $12.83 million. At $4.27 million each, China reduced the price due to the limited budget of the RTN.
The deal’s objective is to increase the offensive firepower of the RTMC in offensive land operations. It also increases combat power for amphibious operations, with VN16s operating alongside
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
