Algeria has conducted test assessments of the Chinese VT-4 main battle tank, manufactured by Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group (FIRMACO). This trial, reported during FIRMACO’s 2023 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, marks a potential step towards the procurement of the VT-4 by the Algerian military.
The VT-4 tank demonstrated exceptional performance during the trials in Algeria. It achieved a 100% hit rate in artillery tests and successfully covered 500 kilometres in continuous driving and firing under various conditions. This impressive performance was positively noted by the Algerian side, leading to recognition of the quality breakthrough team by the Ordnance Industry Group, which shared its experience across the organisation.
Established in 1954 in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, FIRMACO operates under the China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco). The company specialises in the production of armoured vehicles and is the primary manufacturer of main battle tanks in China for both domestic use and international export. FIRMACO’s product range includes several models, such as the Type 59, Type 88, Type 96, MBT-2000, and VT-4 tanks. Known by various names, including Factory 617 and the Baotou Tank Plant, FIRMACO has a longstanding role in supplying military equipment to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and other clients.
VT-4: A Modern Main Battle Tank
The VT-4, also designated as the MBT-3000, is a main battle tank developed by Norinco for the export market. Since its introduction in 2017, the VT-4 has been deployed in various military conflicts, including operations against the Islamic State and Boko Haram. The tank, weighing 52 tonnes, is operated by a crew of three: a commander, driver, and gunner.
It features a ZPT-98A 125 mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing a variety of munitions, including armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), high-explosive (HE) rounds, and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles. Its secondary armament includes a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun mounted on a remote weapon station and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. Powered by a VT/E1 V12 diesel engine producing 1,200 horsepower, the VT-4 boasts a top speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of 500 kilometres.
Algeria’s Strategic Military Acquisitions
Algeria’s evaluation of the VT-4 aligns with its broader strategy of incorporating various Chinese military assets into its defence arsenal. The country already utilises a range of Chinese-made equipment, including Type 90B armoured personnel carriers, SR-5 and WM-80 multiple rocket launchers, PLZ-45 self-propelled howitzers, CX-1 anti-ship missiles, HQ-7 short-range air defence systems, SY-400 ballistic missiles, and FD-2000 long-range air defence missiles.
Additionally, Algeria operates Chinese CH-4 and WJ-700 Falcon High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones. On August 16, 2024, Algeria announced the acquisition of YJ-12B anti-ship missiles from China for coastal defence.
The successful trial of the VT-4 main battle tank in Algeria highlights the growing military cooperation between Algeria and China, potentially paving the way for further procurement and integration of advanced Chinese military technology into Algeria’s defence forces.
Currently, the Algerian Army operates mainly Soviet/Russian main battle tanks, including T-90SA, T-72M1, T-62, and T-55AMV.
Meanwhile, recently, the Algerian military laid the foundation for kickstarting its military defense industry, aiming to design, build, and manufacture “complex weapons” systems. This ambitious endeavour has been made possible through a Presidential decree authorising the establishment of a Technical System Development Establishment. This institution will be responsible for conducting studies, designing engineering, and manufacturing of weapons and specific ammunition.
As part of this strategic move, Algeria has also entered into a partnership with China, allowing the country to manufacture heavy Chinese weaponry under license. Notably, the CS/LM5 and CS/LM12-M1 multi-barrel rotary machine guns, along with the LG5/QLU-11 automatic grenade launcher, are among the advanced weapons to be manufactured. The weapons will be manufactured by Algeria’s Mechanical Engineering Company, Khenchela.