Thai Army crews have reported a series of operational failures in Chinese-made VT-4 battle tanks, pointing to recurring reliability problems both in training and in real combat situations.
According to military personnel with direct experience with the equipment, defects become more frequent as the use of the vehicle intensifies.
+Lithuania announces acquisition of 100 CV90 MkIV combat vehicles
+Saab considers partnership with Airbus to develop 6th generation aircraft
Among the main concerns is the performance of the main gun during prolonged firing. Operators state that, when exceeding the limits considered safe, the pipe presents accelerated wear and, in extreme cases, there have been records of rupture. Furthermore, failures in electronic systems and the propulsion set have been regularly reported, directly compromising the execution of missions on the battlefield.
Criticism also extends to the VT-4’s protection and mobility. According to the crews, the side armor is insufficient in the face of modern threats, while the slow rotation of the turret reduces the ability to react in dynamic combat.
Given this scenario, some Thai officials began to recommend greater priority to units equipped with Patton and BM Oplot tanks, especially after reports that VT-4 vehicles have already been the target of attacks by Cambodian forces.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: @TheDeadDistrict | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
A🇹🇭Thai VT-4 Tank hit by a 120mm Shrapnel, damaging the gun barrel, leaving a hole, now sent back for repairs and would recover full combat ability after a couple days.pic.twitter.com/qSx186Tp0p
— PLA Military Updates (@PLA_MilitaryUpd) January 6, 2026
