A new batch of Type 15 (VT5) light tanks supplied by China has arrived in Bangladesh, strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
The information was released on the social network X by the Defense Research Forum profile, which published an image of the vehicles disembarking at the port of Chittagong.
In recent years, China has remained the main supplier of military equipment to Bangladesh. In 2019, the Bangladeshi government ordered 44 Type 15 units to replace the old Type 62 light tanks, considered obsolete. In September 2021, the first units were delivered to the Bangladesh Army, making the country the model’s first international customer.
Technical characteristics of Type 15
The Type 15 is a light tank weighing approximately 36 tons. Its main armament consists of a 105 mm rifled cannon with an automated loading system, capable of carrying 38 ammunition. The vehicle also has a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and another 12.7 mm machine gun installed on the roof of the turret.
The observation system includes modern aiming equipment for the gunner and commander, with thermal imaging channels. The engine develops a power of 1,000 horsepower, allowing a maximum speed of up to 70 km/h on highways and between 35 and 40 km/h on uneven terrain. Operational autonomy is estimated at up to 450 kilometers, with a crew of three soldiers.
In terms of mobility, the tank can overcome ditches up to 2.7 meters wide, cross water courses up to 1.1 meters deep and overcome vertical obstacles of up to 85 centimeters.
Strategic capability and air transport
One of the Type 15’s differences is its compatibility with strategic air transport. The Chinese heavy freighter Xian Y-20 is capable of transporting two tank units simultaneously, which expands the ability to quickly project forces in different theaters.
The new delivery reinforces the modernization process of Bangladesh’s armored forces and consolidates the Chinese presence as a strategic partner in the country’s defense sector.
A new batch of VT-5 light tanks from China has arrived at Chattogram Port for the Bangladesh Army. pic.twitter.com/SPY6nUuS0M
— Defence research forum DRF (@Defres360) February 16, 2026
Source and images: X @Defres360. Content produced with AI support and reviewed by the editorial team.
