Chinese Main Battle tank? Where does it come from?
The Type 99, also known as ZTZ-99 and WZ-123, developed from the Type 98G (in turn, a development of the Type 98), is a third generation main battle tank (MBT) fielded by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. It is made to compete with other modern tanks. Although not expected to be acquired in large numbers due to its high cost compared to the more economical Type 96, it is currently the most advanced MBT fielded by China. The ZTZ-99 MBT is a successor to the Type 98G tank manufactured for the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Chinese design battle tanks are heavily influenced by Soviet Union tanks. This is because many years ago when the communist party took over the throne, Soviet union had transferred a lot of their technology to the Chinese government, before the Chinese government had started to develop their tank back in 1977, various model of Soviet Union tanks were served in the Chinese ground battle fleet including the T-55, T-72 etc...
The basic variant of the Type 99 series it has a laser defense system that can temporarily damage the enemy tank's optics. The latest variant that is in full service is the Type 99A2 with a 1,500-hp water cooled diesel engine and getting re-designed at some parts. The newest in trial is the Type 99KM.
The Type 99A2 has increased armor on the turret. The self-defense laser module has been replaced by an active defensive module. The ZTZ-99A2 also installed ERA on the front and side turret. The tank hull will follow the MBT 2000 configuration instead of the previously used hull.
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