One of China’s newest main battle tanks, the Type 99B, is an upgraded model designed to perform better in high-altitude and cold weather operations, according to state media – suggesting it could be sent to the Himalayan border with India.
The tank is the latest of the Type 99 armoured vehicles and was among the military hardware unveiled during China’s huge Victory Day parade in Beijing in September.
State broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday that the upgraded model has a raft of new features. It was shown going through testing of its driving capabilities and electronic systems in diverse terrain, as well as live-fire exercises.
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The report did not say when or where the testing had been carried out.
The main upgrade is to the tank’s information-based command and communication capabilities and its integrated firepower, which the report said reflected “a new level of sophistication” in the People’s Liberation Army’s ground combat equipment.
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