Zhuhai 2016: Norinco unveils VT5 light tank
China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) chose the occasion of the 11th Zhuhai Air Show in China to unveil its VT5, a new light main battle tank (MBT).
An example of the VT5 was on static display in a hall devoted to armoured vehicles, and its designation indicates Norinco has aimed it squarely at the export market.
The heritage of the VT5 is easily discerned since the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began fielding its own Norinco-designed ZTQ-series light tank in about 2014. It is estimated to weigh about 35t.
Such a tank in this weight class is ideal for operations in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
World Defense Show 2026: DOK-ING working on MV-8 variants and reveals specs ahead of Eurosatory
The Croatian company began the development of the MV-8 modular uncrewed platform in the early 2020s. Specifications for the vehicle were revealed to Shephard at World Defense Show 2026.
-
World Defense Show 2026: Turkish and European industries will cooperate, says Aselsan boss
Aselsan was formed 50 years ago in response to difficulties Turkey was facing in sourcing major systems internationally. While some challenges still remain, company president Ahmet Akyol believes a rapprochement is possible.
-
World Defense Show 2026: Russia reveals details of new loitering munition
The Kalashnikov RUS-PE cannister-launched man-portable loitering munition was displayed as a model at World Defense Show 2026 with a company official telling Shephard it was “in service and in low-rate initial production”.
-
World Defense Show 2026: MARSS displays new Nation Shield air defence C2 system
Nation Shield is the latest iteration of the MARSS C2 system and is designed to provide C2 further forward along with more capable air defence.