Main Battle Tank
ZTZ-99A (Type 99A)
The ZTZ-99A (Type 99A) is a third-generation Chinese main battle tank made by Norinco, in service with the PLA since about 2011 as an upgrade of the Type 99 of 2001. It has never been exported, and roughly 1,300-1,500 are estimated in service.
China|Norinco (China North Industries Group)What Is the ZTZ-99A? Overview, History and Development
The Type 99 was first shown at the 1999 National Day parade and entered service around 2001 as the successor to the Type 88. It is built at Factory 617 in Baotou, Inner Mongolia. The ZTZ-99A appeared about 2011 with better armour, fire control and engine. A 1,500 hp 150HB diesel gives about 80 km/h, and the 125 mm ZPT-98 gun is fed by an autoloader, so the crew is three.
IISS and open-source estimates put the Type 99/99A fleet at about 1,300-1,500 tanks; China does not publish official numbers. The ZTZ-99A2 standard, from about 2018, adds improved reactive armour and a digital battlefield information system. Only the PLA operates the tank, while China exports the VT4 and VT-5 instead. The Type 99A has no known combat use and appears in PLA exercises.
ZTZ-99A Specifications: Weight, Armament, Armor and Mobility
ZTZ-99A Variants and Versions Compared
The ZTZ-99 is the original 2001 version, built around a 125 mm gun with autoloader and a 1,500 hp diesel.
The ZTZ-99A of about 2011 improved armour, fire control and engine, and is credited with a top-attack fire-control chain.
The ZTZ-99A2 is the standard from about 2018, with improved reactive armour and a digital battlefield information system, per reports.
Which Countries Use the ZTZ-99A? Operators and Users
ChinaZTZ-99A FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the Type 99A tank cost?
The Type 99A tank costs an estimated US$2-3 million per unit according to open sources. China publishes no official price, and the tank has not been exported, so the figure remains an estimate.
How fast is the Type 99A tank?
The Type 99A has a top road speed of about 80 km/h and a range of about 600 km. A 1,500 hp 150HB diesel powers the 54-58 tonne tank, depending on version and armour fit.
Does any country besides China use the Type 99A?
No other country operates the Type 99A, since the tank has not been exported. The Chinese export tanks are the VT4 (MBT-3000) and VT-5, and Pakistan fields the related Al-Khalid and VT-4.
Type 99A vs M1A2 Abrams: which is better?
The Type 99A and M1A2 SEPv3 are broadly comparable third-generation designs, but the Abrams is heavier and has a longer combat record. The Type 99A uses a 125 mm gun with an autoloader and a three-man crew; exact armour data are not public.
Is the Type 99A a stealth tank?
The Type 99A is not a stealth tank. It has low radar and infrared signature treatments and laser dazzlers on the turret roof, but the design is a conventional armoured vehicle.
How many Type 99A tanks does China have?
China is estimated to have about 1,300-1,500 Type 99 and Type 99A tanks in the PLA Ground Force. These are IISS and open-source estimates, because official figures are not published.