How Many Tanks Does China Have? Type 99A, Type 100 and Type 15

China has one of the largest tank forces in the world. Published estimates range from about 4,000 modern tanks to more than 6,000 when older vehicles in storage are counted. Its main battle tanks are the Type 99A and the more numerous Type 96, supported by the Type 15 light tank built for mountain warfare. In September 2025 China unveiled a new design, the Type 100, with an unmanned turret and a crew sitting in an armoured capsule in the hull.

This guide covers each of China’s main tanks, how many there are and how they compare with Western designs.

How many tanks does China have?

China does not publish the size of its tank fleet, and estimates vary widely depending on whether old Type 59s, based on the Soviet T-54 of the 1950s, are included. In 2017 the International Institute for Strategic Studies counted about 3,390 modern tanks, 400 older ones and 2,850 Type 59s. Since then the oldest tanks have largely been retired, and the PLA has reorganised its ground forces into combined-arms brigades that rely more on wheeled vehicles.

Type 99A: the heavy tank

The Type 99A is China’s most capable tank in service. Developed from the Type 99 that entered service in 2001 and fielded from 2011, it weighs more than 55 tonnes, has a 1,500-horsepower engine, a 125mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader, reactive armour and laser countermeasures. It equips the PLA’s heavy brigades, but it is expensive, and China has built only a few hundred. It is broadly comparable to the Russian T-90M and a step below the latest American M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2.

Type 96 and Type 15

The Type 96 is China’s most numerous tank. Accepted in 1997 as a cheaper alternative to the Type 99, it was the first Chinese tank with a 125mm gun and modern fire control, and the upgraded Type 96B is the version the PLA sends to international tank biathlon competitions. The Type 15, a light tank weighing about 33 to 36 tonnes, was built for the Tibetan plateau and the Himalayas, where heavier tanks struggle with thin air and mountain roads. It was deployed to the border during the 2020 stand-off with India, and an export version is offered abroad as the VT5.

Type 100: the new-generation tank

The Type 100, unveiled at the September 2025 Beijing parade, breaks with every earlier Chinese design. Its three crew members sit in an armoured capsule in the hull, its 105mm gun is fired from an unmanned turret, and it has a hybrid diesel-electric drive of nearly 1,500 horsepower, active protection launchers and four radar panels to detect incoming missiles and drones. At an estimated 35 to 45 tonnes it is much lighter than the Type 99A. Chinese military media reported it in exercises in October 2025, suggesting it has begun to enter service. All of its performance claims, however, come from Chinese sources.

How does China compare with the United States?

China and the United States have tank fleets of a broadly similar size, but very different experience. American Abrams tanks have fought in several wars, and the US Army has thousands more in storage, as our guide to American tanks shows. Chinese tanks have never fought a modern war. Their main role in a Taiwan scenario would be limited, because tanks would have to cross the Strait by sea, which is why the PLA also invests in light amphibious armour. Its artillery and armoured vehicles are covered later in this series.

Frequently asked questions

How many tanks does China have?

Estimates range from about 4,000 modern tanks to more than 6,000 when older vehicles are counted. China does not publish the figure.

What is China’s best tank?

The Type 99A is China’s most powerful tank in service. The new Type 100, shown in 2025, is its most modern design.

What is the Type 100 tank?

A new Chinese tank with an unmanned turret, a 105mm gun, a crew capsule in the hull and active protection against missiles and drones.

What gun does the Type 99A have?

A 125mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader, which can also fire guided missiles.

What is the Type 15 light tank?

A light tank of about 33 to 36 tonnes with a 105mm gun, built for the high mountains of Tibet and also exported.

Does China have more tanks than the US?

The active fleets are broadly similar in size, but the US Army has more tanks in storage and much more combat experience.