Modernized T-72 with a Chinese turret from the Type 96B tank, July 2025. Photo: China military
A surprising sight has emerged from China’s military industry: a uniquely modernised T-72 tank. Norinco, the Chinese arms giant, recently unveiled an upgraded Soviet-era tank, revealing its strategy for capturing budget-conscious customers in Africa and Asia.
This low-cost T-72 tank modernisation, spotted near Norinco’s armoured vehicle plant in Baotou, demonstrates China’s desire to enter the lucrative market previously dominated by Russian defence firms.
The new turret improves combat capabilities.
This intriguing T-72 variant has a distinct turret that is clearly inspired by Norinco’s VT-4 export model, which is popular with many militaries around the world. Photos shared on Chinese social media channels confirmed key design similarities to the VT-4 turret, including an advanced observation camera strategically placed in front of the commander’s hatch. Furthermore, the combat turret at the rear closely resembles the designs seen on China’s modern Type 96 tanks.
It is easy to identify the modernised tank as originally Soviet. The tank retains classic Soviet-era T-72 design elements in its left-side exhaust manifold, road wheels, and chassis structure. However, the adoption of VT-4 turret technology represents a significant step forward, with the potential to transform these outdated tanks into formidable adversaries on modern battlefields.
Cost-effective and Efficient Modernisation
Norinco’s budgeted modernisation program for the T72 tank is aimed specifically at nations that use outdated armour. Crucially, the installation of this new turret on an existing T-72 chassis necessitates only minor structural modifications. The turret and chassis have compatible dimensions, particularly the turret ring diameter, which simplifies integration.
This streamlined approach results in significant cost savings, appealing directly to countries that are hesitant or unable to purchase brand-new main battle tanks. Instead of completely replacing their ageing fleets, militaries can significantly increase firepower and survivability with relatively inexpensive upgrades.
Advanced Electronics and Enhanced Firepower
The standout feature of this T-72 modernisation package is undoubtedly its electronics suite. Norinco’s updated tank, which replaces rudimentary Soviet-era sights from the 1970s, uses a digital fire control system with a sophisticated ballistics computer. The addition of modern optics, such as the gunner’s thermal imaging sight and a dedicated rotating commander’s observation system, significantly improves battlefield awareness.
Furthermore, the significantly improved communication systems enable crews to detect and engage threats more effectively and quickly.
Alongside these electronic upgrades, the autoloader carousel, historically a limiting factor on older T-72 tank models, will be replaced. This upgrade allows for the use of longer, more powerful ammunition, such as guided missiles and advanced armour-piercing rounds.
This upgrade ensures compatibility with the current ammunition.
Despite these significant upgrades, the main gun calibre remains the standard 125 mm. This deliberate decision allows client countries to continue using existing ammunition stocks, avoiding the immediate need for costly logistical changes. As a result, this low-cost T-72 tank modernisation improves combat effectiveness while also ensuring seamless integration with existing operational frameworks.
Improved Armour and Protection
Another critical enhancement is the tank’s defensive capabilities. The new welded turret differs significantly from older cast designs, which feature a composite armour structure. This modern design significantly improves resistance to shaped-charge warheads and kinetic penetrators.
Integrated FY-4 explosive reactive armour (ERA) supplements this upgraded armour, significantly increasing crew survival. Combined, these protective enhancements significantly improve legacy tanks’ defensive posture, allowing them to hold their ground against more modern adversaries.
Strategic Market Implications
China’s deliberate entry into the market for modernised Soviet-era tanks indicates direct competition with Russian defence companies, which have traditionally been dominant suppliers in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Norinco hopes to entice long-standing Russian customers away by providing affordable, technologically advanced upgrades that will reshape the competitive landscape for global defence procurement.
As countries struggle to modernise their armoured forces with tight budgets, China’s innovative yet cost-effective T-72 upgrade presents an appealing option. The success of Norinco’s new venture will be determined by performance, affordability, and political considerations, but its emergence will undoubtedly mark a watershed moment in the global defence industry’s dynamics.
References
- China Military Channel—military.china.com
- Norinco Official Website—www.norinco.com
- Global Defence News—www.defensenewstoday.info
- Why Ukrainian Tanks Aren’t Good for Pakistan
