• Our USPP Store
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • About
    • Our Amazing Team
    • Contact
  • SUPPORT MILITARY AFRICA
    • Policies
      • Disclaimer
      • Cookies Policy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Retraction and Correction policy and fee
      • Privacy Policy
      • Advertising Policies
Friday, September 29, 2023
Military Africa
  • Aerospace
  • Land
  • Naval
  • Industry
  • Security
  • UAS and C-UAS
  • Technology
  • Press Release
No Result
View All Result
  • Aerospace
  • Land
  • Naval
  • Industry
  • Security
  • UAS and C-UAS
  • Technology
  • Press Release
No Result
View All Result
Military Africa
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT

Tanzania expands armoured capability with new Norinco VT-2 main battle tank

Patrick Kenyette by Patrick Kenyette
December 14, 2021
in Army
Reading Time: 2 mins read
ADVERTISEMENT

The Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) will be supporting it’s 15-strong Chinese Type 59G main battle tanks with new Norinco VT-2 main battle tanks.

It is not yet certain how many VT-2s we’re acquired.

The TPDF displayed a single Norinco VT2 main battle tank for the first time during a parade in Dar Es Salaam to mark the 60th anniversary of the East African country’s independence on 9 December.

You Might Also Like

Elite Cameroonian unit to receive upgraded Ratels

Osprea Mamba MK7 delivered to West African military

South African Army resuscitates inoperable military vehicles

ADVERTISEMENT

The VT-2 is the export version of the Type 96A tank that is used in large numbers by China’s People’s Liberation Army but was not previously known to be in service with any other militaries.

The VT-2 and upgraded Type-59G main battle tanks will significantly improve the TPDF armoured capability.

Although, not as sophisticated as Western, or even Russian designs, however it uses proven technology and is cost-effective. The VT-2 is mainly aimed at developing countries. It can be considered as a cheaper, but inferior alternative to the VT-1 and VT-4 tanks.

Norinco says the VT-2 has a combat weight of 42.3 tonnes, fitted with a 800 hp engine and armed with a 120 mm smooth-bore gun which is fed by an automatic loader.

Both the gun and autoloader were copied from the Soviet T-72. It can fire all standard Chinese and Russian 125 mm tank ammunition. It is assumed that this tank is capable of launching anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary projectiles. A total of 40 rounds are carried.

The TPDF usually parade it’s extensively upgraded variant of the Chinese Type 59 tank. The Type 59G is equipped with arrow-shaped spaced add-on armour modules which are mounted on the front of the hull and the turret. Wheels and tracks are now protected by rubber hull skirts.

Hull and turret of this tank is of welded steel construction with a layer of composite armor. Also there are modular add-on explosive reactive armor blocks. The VT2 is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. It seems that this tank is fitted with countermeasures system, similar to a Russian Shtora-1.

Tanzania relies heavily on China for most of its military needs. In 2014, the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) received a range of new hardware from China, including Type 63A amphibious tanks, A100 multiple rocket launchers and Type 07PA self-propelled mortars.

The TPDF has over the years strengthened its defence relations with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with the PLA running various training programmes to improve the operational capabilities of the naval, aerial and land forces.

Other Chinese acquisition over the last decade includes two Y-8 transport aircraft in 2003, four ZFB-05 armoured personnel carriers in 2006/7, 30 Type-59G tanks in 2011/13, 14 F-7MG fighters in 2009/12, six K-8 jet trainers in 2011/12 and ten WZ-551 APCS in 2011/12.

Recommended for you

Tags: Armoured vehicleNorincoTanzania

Related News

Mbombe 6 paramount

Paramount expands armoured vehicle manufacturing partnership in India

September 16, 2023
Paramount Mbombe 6

Paramount’s Mbombe 6 secures Latin American and South African customers

September 13, 2023 - Updated on September 14, 2023
Svi max 3 six wheeler

SVI secures first customer for MAX 3 armoured vehicle

September 11, 2023
BT-3F APC with the Kornet-E ATGM system at the ARMY-2023 defense expo

ARMY-2023: Russia unveils all-new Kornet-armed BT-3F APC

September 6, 2023 - Updated on September 8, 2023
The 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 is a modernized version of the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank gun designed and manufactured by the Russian defense Company Tractor Plants. The 2S25M was specially designed to be used by the Russian airborne troops as an anti-tank vehicle. The modernization of the 2S25 increases reliability and improves technical characteristics by unification with BMD-4M chassis components. According to a representative of Russian defense contractor Tractor Plants, the firepower of the 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 air-droppable self-propelled anti-tank gun is on par with that of the T-90MS main battle tank.
Load More... Subscribe

Facebook

ADVERTISEMENT
No Result
View All Result
  • Aerospace
  • Land
  • Naval
  • Industry
  • Security
  • UAS and C-UAS
  • Technology
  • Press Release

© 2023 Military Africa