ZTZ99 (Family)

Description

The ZTZ99 (or Type 99; ZTZ99式主战坦克) with two industry codes WZ123 (for ZTZ99) and WZ1001 (for ZTZ99A), are the Chinese 3rd generation main battle tanks developed since April 1978 under Project 784 all the way until the 21st century and entering service in 2004 as ZTZ99 (Note: 38th Group Army acquired the 17 ZTZ99-I after 1999's National Day parade), then in 2011 as the ZTZ99A. They share many similarities with the Soviet T-72 as well as the Chinese ZTZ96, but have generally better protection and upgraded powerplant. The nominal brothers now serve as the spearhead of the modern time PLAGF armored corps.

Vehicles

Rank VII

WZ123

• ZTZ99-II - WZ123; Stage two revision with FY-4 ERA blocks on turret and UFP modified from ZTZ99-I on production line
• ZTZ99-III - WZ123B; Stage three revision with arrow-shaped ERA blocks and revised frontal ERA layout

WZ1001

• ZTZ99A - WZ1001; the finalized "3rd Generation MBT" with only nominal lineage to WZ123, upgraded mobility while retaining similar protection to previous series
• WZ1001(E) LCT - 3rd prototype of WZ1001 with an experimental 125 mm L/54 cannon and revised power pack; based on the chassis of ZTZ99-III

See also

• ZTZ96 (Family)