Bangladesh Army to Receive VT-4A1 Main Battle Tanks from NORINCO; Second VT-5 Regiment Underway

Reading Time: 3 minutes The Bangladesh Army is poised to receive the upgraded VT-4A1 Main Battle Tank (MBT) from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), marking another leap forward in its modernisation drive under Forces Goal 2030. Pre-shipment inspections are presently being carried out by Bangladeshi technical teams in China, signalling that deliveries are imminent. The new VT-4A1 variant represents an evolution over the baseline VT-4 fleet already in service with the Army’s armoured formations. The updated configuration introduces improved modular composite armour, a more advanced fire-control system, and enhanced battlefield situational awareness through upgraded optics and networking capabilities. VT-4A1: Enhanced Protection and Firepower The VT-4A1 is equipped with the same 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT, and HE rounds, in addition to guided anti-tank missiles with ranges exceeding 5 km. However, the A1 model integrates improved reactive armour suites, strengthened turret protection, and new-generation explosive reactive armour (ERA)