Mbt-3000

by NORINCO is an third generation MBT estimated to be delivered to PLA by 2014 (this year!)

Why does China need so many different modern 3rd gen MBT types? Isn't China spreading her resources thin, or is this a mainly export variant to prop up allies like Pakistan? Isn't ZTZ99 and ZTZ96 enough, why so many different vehicles? I don't like

spiral development.
yes, for export.

Phead128 said:

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by NORINCO is an third generation MBT estimated to be delivered to PLA by 2014 (this year!)

Why does China need so many different modern 3rd gen MBT types? Isn't China spreading her resources thin, or is this a mainly export variant to prop up allies like Pakistan? Isn't ZTZ99 and ZTZ96 enough, why so many different vehicles? I don't like

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Arguably mbt-3000 and ztz99 would have been classified as variants of the same tank but for marketing reasons.

At what point in the future (10 years, 5 years, or maybe 25-30 years) will China's arms export industry reach commensurate status to China's vast industrial potential...

Is it inevitable that China will become the top 3 "world's factory" of armaments just like it just became the biggest exporter/trading nation/economy on earth?

MBT-3000 is the export variant of the ZTZ-99A
MBT-2000 is the export variant of the ZTZ-99

both have the same level of electronics, while downgraded armor, propulsion and gun. Also, both are based on the Type-90II chassis, while the actual ZTZ-99s are based on a stretched T-72 and a heavily modified Type-90II chassis with different power-pack respectively.

Still waiting for MBT 4000?

There has long been a rumor of a type - 99 based prototype with 140mm gun and 2100hp engine.

Why would PLA buy MBT-3000 when they already have Type-99A2? Unless they are planning to use it to replace different Type-96 variants.

Broccoli said:

Why would PLA buy MBT-3000 when they already have Type-99A2? Unless they are planning to use it to replace different Type-96 variants.

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Why would you not assume MBT-3000 could be better than type-99A2?

It seems unlikely as normally a export version is normally simplified, using older more commonly available systems and parts. It might however be possible that in the process of the redesign for the MBT3000 some features or alterations were made from Type 99A2 Causing the PLA to evaluate the possibility of integrating these into the next series of 99 upgrades. It's not Unheard of, For example When Westland Agusta redesigned the Apache for British Service they replaced the GE 700 engines with more powerful Rolls Royce models this added power and although the Us has yet to follow suit there have been arguments to.