SOURCE: AFI
The Chinese-made VT-4 main battle tank (MBT), touted as a third-generation-plus armored platform, has encountered significant operational and reliability issues in both Nigeria and Pakistan, raising questions about its effectiveness and the decision-making processes behind its procurement. Recent incidents, including the destruction of a Nigerian Army VT-4 during combat and persistent mechanical failures in both countries, have cast a shadow over the tank’s reputation and its manufacturer, China North Industries Corporation (Norinco).
In a recent clash with a local Muslim terrorist group, likely linked to Boko Haram , a Nigerian Army VT-4 tank was destroyed in battle. This incident marks a significant setback for Nigeria, which acquired 35 VT-4 tanks as part of a $152 million contract signed with Norinco, with the first batch delivered in April 2020. The tanks were intended to bolster Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts in the volatile northeast, where armored vehicles play a critical role in combating heavily armed militants.
Adding to the embarrassment, reports from a Nigerian defense news outlet revealed that during a military exercise attended by senior army officials, a VT-4 tank failed to fire its main gun—a critical malfunction that undermines its combat readiness. Nigerian media has further confirmed that the fleet of 35 VT-4s has been plagued by frequent breakdowns and a chronic shortage of spare parts, rendering many units inoperable. These issues have fueled speculation about the tank’s quality and Norinco’s ability to support its export customers effectively.
Across the globe, the Pakistan Army, another operator of the VT-4, is grappling with its own challenges with the platform. Initially, Pakistan signed a deal with Norinco for 468 VT-4 tanks, aiming to modernize its armored fleet and complement its locally produced Al-Khalid MBTs. However, in a surprising turn of events in 2025, the Pakistan Army slashed its order to just 258 units. This reduction suggests a lack of confidence in the VT-4’s performance, echoing past disappointments with Chinese-supplied armor.
The Al-Khalid, based on the Chinese VT-1A (MBT-2000) and co-developed by Norinco and Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), has itself struggled to meet expectations. Despite ambitious plans, production of the Al-Khalid stalled at around 250 units due to persistent design flaws and technical challenges, including issues with its Ukrainian-sourced powertrain and fire control systems. The VT-4, marketed as a 3.5-generation tank with significant upgrades over the VT-1A—such as a more powerful 1,200-hp engine, advanced electronics, and improved armor—was expected to overcome these shortcomings. Yet, its local production at HIT under a Chinese license has not inspired confidence.
Critics within Pakistan allege that corrupt army generals, driven by kickbacks and mismanagement, have burdened the national exchequer with substandard equipment. The VT-4’s underwhelming performance has led to accusations that Pakistan’s military leadership prioritized cost and political ties with China over operational efficacy, leaving the army with a tank that fails to deliver on its promises.
The VT-4’s troubles in Nigeria and Pakistan highlight a recurring theme with Chinese armored exports: ambitious specifications undermined by poor reliability and after-sales support. In Nigeria, the tank’s inability to function in combat and training scenarios has exposed vulnerabilities in its design and maintenance chain. In Pakistan, the reduction in orders and parallels with the Al-Khalid’s struggles suggest that the VT-4 has not lived up to its billing as a cutting-edge MBT.
The VT-4 was intended to showcase China’s advancements in tank technology, featuring a 125mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader, modular composite armor, and digital communication systems. However, its operational failures indicate that these improvements may be more theoretical than practical. For Nigeria, the lack of spares and frequent breakdowns have crippled its deployment against insurgents. For Pakistan, the tank’s issues compound an already strained armored capability, especially as it faces a modernizing Indian Army equipped with T-90S tanks and indigenous Arjun MBTs.
Norinco’s reputation as a global arms supplier is at stake as these incidents pile up. The VT-4 has been exported to Thailand, Nigeria, and Pakistan, positioning it as a cornerstone of China’s defense export strategy. Yet, its consistent underperformance could deter future buyers, particularly in regions like Latin America or Africa, where cost-effective solutions are in high demand. For Nigeria and Pakistan, the fallout is more immediate: compromised military readiness and wasted resources at a time when both nations face significant security threats.
In Nigeria, the army may need to reassess its reliance on Chinese hardware and seek alternatives, though budget constraints limit options. In Pakistan, the reduced VT-4 order and the Al-Khalid’s stagnation could force a pivot toward other suppliers—such as Russia or Turkey—though geopolitical realities and China’s “all-weather” alliance with Islamabad make this unlikely in the short term.
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