The ZTZ99 was incorporated with a number of improvements. The ZTZ99 is generally similar to the ZTZ98 (Type 98) MBT, which was briefly displayed during the parade on 1 October 1999 in Beijing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The tank’s liquid-cooled, turbo-charged diesel engine was said to be based on the German technology. The ZTZ99 carries the Russian 9M119 Refleks (NATO codename: AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missile locally produced in China under license. The 125mm smoothbore main gun and the autoloader, which allows the crew of the tank to be reduced to three man, are both believed to be of Soviet/Russian origin. The hull of the tank is very similar to that of the Russian T-72, though the angular welded turret is clearly of Western style. The ZTZ99 MBT shows a mixture of Russian and Western influence in its design and technology. A further improved variant known as ZTZ99 (originally known as Type 98G) featuring improved armour protection and a more powerful engine was introduced in 2000 and the tank entered service with the PLA in late 2001. A revised design known as Type 98 featuring a T-72-like hull was first revealed in October 1999 during the national day parade held in Beijing. However, close observation of the 1990s Gulf War made the PLA realise that the tank was still no match to Western MBT designs such as the M1A1 Abrams and Challenger 2. An early prototype known as Type 90 featuring a Russian-style 125mm gun with autoloader was built and tested in early 1990. The ZTZ99 was a direct result of the PLA’s third-generation MBT programme which first commenced in the late 1970s. Some of the ZTZ99’s technologies have been used to upgrade the less expensive ZTZ96 MBT.Ī Type 99 tank at the China People's Revolution Military Museum in Beijing in 2007 These tanks are currently deployed by two elite armour regiments in Beijing and Shenyang Military Region respectively.
As a ‘high-end’ MBT, the ZTZ99 was only built in a small number (~200) due to high unit price (~US$2 million). First entering the PLA service in late 2001, the ZTZ99 provides a significant improvement in firepower, mobility, and protection compared to older Chinese-made tanks. The ZTZ99 (also known as Type 99, industrial designation WZ123) manufactured by China Northern Industries Group Corporation (CNGC) is the most advanced main battle tank (MBT) fielded by the PLA.
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