An initial shipment of a second tranche of VT5 light tanks from Norinco was recently observed being offloaded at the Bangladeshi port of Chattogram.
These arrivals represent what is believed to be the first of a second army order for the Chinese light tank, and they will join an armoured regiment of 44 tanks previously ordered in 2019 and delivered from 2022 onwards.
Bangladesh’s VT5 tanks were first displayed publicly in the country’s Victory Day military parade on 16 December 2022.
It is believed that the Bangladesh Army will also receive VT4A1 main battle tanks from China, as photos were circulating last year of the type painted in a Bangladesh camouflage scheme. These procurements will help the country meet its Forces Goal 2030 modernisation objectives.
The VT5 light tank, an export version of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Type 15/ZTQ-15, is offered by Norinco to meet the requirements of countries with less-developed infrastructure. To date, Bangladesh is the only foreign customer.
The VT5 has a combat weight of around 34 tonnes, which allows it to traverse less-capable roads and bridges. The 1,000hp engine offers a power-to-weight ratio as high as 30hp/ton, and it has features suitable for high-altitude operations. The tank is designed to be rugged and require minimum maintenance.
The VT5 is equipped with a stabilised 105mm rifled main gun that uses ammunition which Norinco claims is more lethal than legacy tank ammunition of the same calibre. The crew of three is assisted by an autoloader, advanced optics for the commander and gunner, and a digital fire control with laser rangefinder and ballistic computer.
A roof-mounted 12.7mm machine gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun are also present. The basic steel armour protection can be augmented by add-on explosive reactive armour.
Overall, the VT5 light tank is viewed as an appropriate armoured firepower solution for the Bangladesh Army. This view is further reinforced by the success of the PLA’s Type 15 tanks in high-altitude operations when confronting India.
It also reflects the assessment that superior mobility offers tactical advantage over heavier, better-protected and larger armoured vehicles in some circumstances.
Bangladesh also operates 44 MBT-2000 tanks that were delivered by Norinco a number of years ago.
by Stephen W. Miller
