A major humiliation for China occurred during the recent Zhuhai Air Show when their VT4 main battle tank (MBT) malfunctioned during a live demonstration. The tank unexpectedly stalled during its attempt to climb a hill, failing to execute the maneuver and remained motionless until the end of the presentation. This issue has seriously questioned the dependability of Chinese military hardware, especially among VT4 operators and prospective purchasers.
Not even the authorities could get rid of it in time. It was intended to be shown to overseas purchasers, but it malfunctioned, causing China great shame.
The incident involving China’s VT4 tank was comparable to the one involving China’s Type 96-B tank in Russia, according to the creator of a defense blog. China has also sold VT4 tanks to Pakistan. Nigeria and Thailand have purchased these tanks from the Chinese.
With cutting-edge features like a 125mm smoothbore rifle and explosive reactive armor, the VT4 was created by NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) and is primarily intended for international markets. Notwithstanding its technological improvements, this occurrence is reminiscent of earlier Chinese armored vehicle reliability problems, most notably a Type-96B tank breakdown.
