Thailand snaps up Chinese tanks
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has ordered 28 Norinco VT4 tanks from China to replace elderly M41s due to delays in Oplot-M deliveries from Ukraine.
The respective governments signed a US$137 million procurement contract on 21 March to buy the VT4/MBT-3000 main battle tank (MBT), which equates to $4.9 million each. Delivery will occur within two years.
RTA delegates visited the manufacturer and witnessed efficiency tests in China from 25-31 October. The decision to buy was made after comparisons of the VT4 and Russian T-90S were completed.
Criteria such as production capability, after-sales service, technology transfer, unit price and equipment
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
US Marine Corps provides US$900 million for prototypes as vehicle refresh motors on
General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron Systems are competing to replace the US Marine Corps’ fleet of light armoured vehicles. The companies have been awarded contracts to provide prototypes of three different vehicle variants.
-
Canada’s Inkas to complete development of improved M1 MRAP in May
PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya’s P2 Tiger, the SCATA Mk1 and the Inkas M1 armoured personnel carriers are each built on the proven Celeris base, but all are still awaiting firm orders.
-
Greece opts for PULS long-range artillery as demand for capability surges
Greece’s selection of PULS makes it the sixth European country to choose the system and follows Sweden’s plan to buy HIMARS and Norway’s selection of Chunmoo artillery systems. The diverse choices for a similar capability highlight demand and a desire for European industrial capacity.