China prepares shipment of VT-5 light tanks and VT-4A MBTs for the Bangladesh Army

Reading Time: 3 minutes Photographs circulating on Chinese defence forums and social media in late July and August strongly indicate that NORINCO is preparing to ship a consignment of VT-5 light tanks and VT-4A main battle tanks (MBTs) to Bangladesh. The images and video clips reportedly taken at a major roads depict the advanced tanks showing vehicles in Bangladesh Army-pattern camouflage embarking on pre-shipment movement as organised by the manufacturer. No official manifest has been published by NORINCO or Dhaka at the time of writing. If confirmed, the shipment represents a deliberate deepening of Bangladesh’s armoured modernisation under Forces Goal 2030 and signals a capability mix that pairs highly mobile light armour with heavier, 125 mm-armed MBTs. Background and context The Bangladesh Army has, over the past decade, pursued a dual-track approach to armour acquisition. On one hand, it has sought highly mobile, lighter vehicles optimised for the country’s riverine,