China is the lead partner on the AK-series. So, it's possible that some stuff from the VT4 may make it over to the AK2. I hope (for easing logistics/maintenance) they use the same engine and transmission at least.
The Chinese don't even produce many tanks any more. The total production of the Type 99A, the most advanced tank in the PLAGF, is probably around 700 even though it has been in service for quite a while. This is because there are basically no overland threats to China except for India, which requires light tanks rather than traditional medium or heavy tanks. They used to have a huge arsenal because of the overland threat posed by the Soviet Union (hence the massive production of the Type 59) but that has been irrelevant for the past 30 years.
Pakistan’s VT-4s are better than the Thai ones, better armor, engine and armament, the cheaper price might be because of the much larger order, 44 tanks versus a thousand tanks. It might also be because of Pakistan and chinas friendly relations, China is known to sell weapons to Pakistan at a cheaper price.
Thousand tanks are u serious!
China generally sells weapons to Pakistan at production cost, rather than make a profit.
Numbers will eventually reach 1000+ .. more will be procured in batches .... al khalid production is too slow and we need to replace some old tanks ...
Dear
Of course I'm not allowed. But even then, I'll pitch in whenever I see the you guys are about to go in an entirely wrong direction on any topic.
I made a light hearted comment a few days ago on 9 Sep ... Regarding my ears getting affected by a muzzle blast of a big gun.... It was with the same purpose...
Pakistan Army's VT-4 Main Battle Tank | Updates & Discussions
@PanzerKiel Anything new you heard brother on this?defence.pk
I doubt that you'll need a thousand MBT as tip of spear, just not cost wise viable.
The problem is a lot of the Pakistani Indian border is good terrain for tank engagements. Whoever holds the advantage in MBTs and artillery commands the land battles. It is different from China versus India, where large or even medium tank battles are simply impossible due to the extremely high altitudes and mountainous terrain. That is why 600 to 1000 VT-4s is in the sights ... the current order of 300 is just the very beginning. Neither side has the ability to completely win the aerial war and use air superiority to level ground targets so tank warfare is still extremely crucial.
Some senior members were claiming that the total envisioned number is 1000 these will be ordered in batches ... we do need new tanks to replace older versions and the only way is vt4 because al Khalid production is too slow ....
