Chinese Main Battle Tank ZTZ99A/B

Meng 1/72

The Type 99 (Chinese: 99式主战坦克; pinyin: Jiǔjiǔshì Zhǔzhàn Tǎnkè) or ZTZ-99 is a Chinese third generation main battle tank (MBT). The vehicle was a replacement for the aging Type 88 introduced in the late 1980s. The Type 99 MBT was China's first mass-produced third-generation main battle tank. Combining modular composite armour and tandem-charge defeating ERA, 125 mm smoothbore gun with ATGM-capability, high mobility, digital systems and optics, the Type 99 represents a shift towards rapid modernization by the PLA.

The Type 99 is based on the Soviet T-72 chassis. The tank entered People's Liberation Army (PLA) service in 2001. The People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) is the sole operator of the Type 99. Three main versions of the Type 99 have been deployed: the Type 98 prototype, Type 99 and the Type 99A. The Type 99 forms the core of China’s modern maneuver combat capabilities, with over 1,300 tanks built for the past two decades

Improved Type 99. In 2003, the 99A model was developed. Prototype testing was underway by August 2007 and believed to be the standard deployed Type 99 variant in 2011. The position of the driver's hatch was moved from the centre left to the centre right of the hull. The improved main gun carries a Invar-type ATGM. It mounts a type of 3rd generation ERA, and an active protection system. The tank has a new, larger arrow-shaped turret with applique ERA armor. The larger turret has improved armour and a commander's periscope, and the tank has an integrated propulsion system. The 1,200 hp (890 kW) engine is replaced with a 1,500 hp (1,100 kW) engine. The tank also features a laser warning receiver.

Type 99B

The Type-99B upgraded variant was officially unveiled at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade. In 2024, the Type 99B prototype, fitted with two GL-6 APS launchers and four radars, was spotted in China. Improvements include with new and improved explosive reactive armor modules, upgraded information technology and information sharing with other combat vehicles, 360-degree vision system for the crew, updated fire control system with new generation thermal optics, and new photoelectric and sensor systems for improved battlefield awareness. Some versions are noted to be equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) for the commander and lacking the GL-6 hard kill APS launchers. Media reports in the South China Morning Post and the Hindustan Times indicated that the tank will primarily be deployed in the Himalayas, alongside the smaller Type-15