A local armed group, possibly associated with Boko Haram, marking a considerable setback for
the army’s counterinsurgency operations where armoured vehicles are crucial.
Further undermining confidence in the platform, Nigerian defence sources have reported critical
failures. During a military demonstration observed by high-ranking army officials, a VT-4
reportedly failed to fire its main cannon.
Additionally, Nigerian media outlets confirm the VT-4 fleet suffers from persistent breakdowns
and difficulties obtaining necessary spare parts, leaving numerous tanks non-operational. A
similar incident occurred publicly in November 2024 when a VT-4 reportedly broke down during
a dynamic display at the Zhuhai Air Show in China.
These recurring issues raise concerns about the tank’s build quality and Norinco’s commitment
to providing adequate after-sales support to its international clients.
Pakistan, another major customer for the VT-4, is experiencing similar difficulties. The Pakistan
Army initially planned to acquire a large number of VT-4s (reportedly aiming for 468 units
initially, though some sources reported different figures for licensed production deals) to
modernise its armoured corps alongside its domestically produced Al-Khalid tanks.
However, the army significantly reduced its order to 258 units in 2025, signalling potential
dissatisfaction with the VT-4’s capabilities and echoing previous issues encountered with
Chinese-origin armoured vehicles.
The Al-Khalid tank program itself provides relevant context. Developed jointly by Pakistan’s
Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and Norinco, based on the Chinese VT-1A (also known as
MBT-2000), the Al-Khalid project has faced its own hurdles.
Production reportedly stalled at approximately 250 units due to ongoing design problems and
technical difficulties, particularly concerning its powertrain and fire control systems sourced
from Ukraine.
The VT-4, marketed as a superior “3.5-generation” tank featuring upgrades like a more powerful
engine (1,200 hp), modern electronics, and enhanced armour compared to the VT-1A, was
anticipated to rectify these deficiencies. However, its performance, even with local assembly
planned at HIT, has reportedly failed to meet expectations.
Within Pakistan, criticism has surfaced regarding the procurement process. Some observers
allege that poor management and potentially corrupt dealings among military figures may have
led to the acquisition of inadequate equipment, placing a financial burden on the country
without delivering the required operational capability.
The VT-4’s perceived underperformance fuels claims that cost considerations and strategic ties
with China might have been prioritised over battlefield effectiveness.
The difficulties encountered by both Nigeria and Pakistan with the VT-4 appear to fit a pattern
sometimes associated with Chinese military exports: impressive technical specifications that are
not consistently matched by real-world reliability or dependable long-term support.
In Nigeria, the tank’s functional failures in both combat and training scenarios point to potential
weaknesses in its fundamental design or maintenance infrastructure. In Pakistan, the reduced
order size and similarities to the Al-Khalid’s challenges suggest the VT-4 has not fulfilled its
promise as a state-of-the-art MBT.
Norinco presented the VT-4 as a showcase of Chinese advances in armoured vehicle
technology. Its features include a 125mm smoothbore main gun equipped with an autoloader,
modular composite armour augmented with explosive reactive armour (ERA), and advanced
digital command and communication systems.
However, the operational reports suggest these technological enhancements may not translate
into consistent battlefield performance. For Nigeria, the shortage of spares and frequent
mechanical issues severely hamper the tank’s utility against insurgents. For Pakistan, these
problems add pressure to an already challenging armoured defence posture, particularly
considering neighbouring India’s deployment of modern T-90S tanks and its own Arjun MBT
program.
These repeated incidents place Norinco’s reputation as a major international arms dealer under
scrutiny. The VT-4 has been exported to Thailand, Nigeria, and Pakistan, representing a
significant part of China’s defence export strategy. Consistent reports of underperformance,
however, could dissuade potential future customers who seek reliable and cost-effective military
hardware.
For Nigeria and Pakistan, the consequences are immediate, potentially involving compromised
military readiness and significant financial investment yielding limited returns, particularly critical
given the security challenges both nations currently face.
Nigeria may need to reconsider its procurement strategies and explore other options, although
financial limitations could restrict its choices. Pakistan’s reduced VT-4 order and the ongoing
issues with the Al-Khalid might necessitate exploring alternative suppliers, though the strong
strategic relationship between Pakistan and China could make such a shift complex in the near
future.
All equipment breaks sometimes. Mechanical failures are common and even the best maintenance regimes cannot prevent all of them. But some machines break down in more embarrassing ways than others. For example, the Chinese main battle tank VT-4 broke down during the Zhuhai Air Show, where it was trying to show its powers and capabilities to the international public.
The VT-4 is a Chinese main battle tank, built by Norinco specifically for overseas export. China’s own forces are not operating this specific model. The VT-4 entered service in 2017 to try and grow China’s presence in the international defence tech market. At the moment, the VT-4 is in service with Nigerian, Pakistani and Thai forces, but China would like to export them more.
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