Main Battle Tank
Type 15 (ZTQ-15) light tank
The Type 15, also called ZTQ-15 and VT5 for export, is a Chinese light tank made by NORINCO for mountain and high-altitude operations such as the Tibet plateau. The PLA acknowledged it in service from December 2018, and Bangladesh has bought the VT5.
China|NORINCOWhat Is the Type 15 (ZTQ-15) light tank? Overview, History and Development
The Type 15 was revealed publicly in 2018, though mass production reportedly began in 2016, and the PLA acknowledged it in service from December 2018. It has a stabilised 105 mm rifled gun that fires NATO-standard 105 mm ammunition, including APFSDS and gun-launched missiles, plus a coaxial 7.62 mm and a roof 12.7 mm machine gun. An autoloader allows a crew of 3. A diesel of about 1,000 hp gives about 70 km/h, and weight is commonly cited at 33 to 36 t.
Estimates differ on weight, and the tank is designed to be airlifted by the Y-20. It replaces the earlier Type 62 and Type 63A. Roughly 500 were reported in PLA Ground Force service as of 2022, an estimate, plus small numbers with Marines and Airborne. The Bangladesh Army bought 44 VT5s, delivered from 2020, with more reported delivered in 2026. Variants include the ZTQ-15A with improved armour from 2018. Rivals include India’s Zorawar and Russia’s Sprut-SDM1.
Type 15 (ZTQ-15) light tank Specifications: Weight, Armament, Armor and Mobility
Type 15 (ZTQ-15) light tank Variants and Versions Compared
The Type 15 is the baseline ZTQ-15 light tank with a 105 mm gun and a crew of 3.
The VT5 is the export version of the Type 15 sold to Bangladesh.
The Type 15 (ZTQ-15) designation covers the PLA version, with the ZTQ-15A upgrade adding improved armour.
Which Countries Use the Type 15 (ZTQ-15) light tank? Operators and Users
China
BangladeshType 15 (ZTQ-15) light tank FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the Type 15 tank cost?
No official unit price is published for the NORINCO Type 15 (ZTQ-15) or VT5 export tank. Prices depend on the contract, so any figure is an estimate.
How many Type 15 tanks does China have?
China has roughly 500 Type 15 tanks in PLA Ground Force service as of 2022, according to an estimate based on IISS-type sources. Small numbers also serve with Marines and Airborne units.
Which countries use the Type 15 or VT5 tank?
The Type 15 is used by China, and the VT5 export version by Bangladesh, which bought 44 delivered from 2020. Reports of more deliveries in 2026 exist. Myanmar-linked reports are unverified.
How heavy is the Type 15 tank?
The Type 15 weighs commonly 33 to 36 t with the add-on armour package, although estimates differ. This is light for a tank, and the Y-20 aircraft can airlift it.
Is the Type 15 a light tank?
Yes, the Type 15 (ZTQ-15) is a Chinese light tank for mountain and high-altitude operations. It has a 105 mm rifled gun and replaces the earlier Type 62 and Type 63A.
Type 15 vs Zorawar: which is better?
The Type 15 is already in service, with about 500 in PLA units, while India’s Zorawar light tank is a separate programme. Both are meant for high-altitude terrain, and Indian media said the PLA used the Type 15 near the 2020 standoff, unconfirmed.