The Chinese VT-4 main battle tank has demonstrated impressive capabilities during its trials in Algeria. The tank excelled in long-range firing exercises, achieving a flawless hit rate, and showcased significant endurance by completing a 500-kilometer drive. It also proved its effectiveness in varied combat conditions.
This exceptional performance has caught the attention of the Algerian Armed Forces, which rely heavily on advanced armored vehicles like the T-90. However, Algeria’s fleet of T-90 tanks has faced disruptions due to ongoing supply issues with Russia since February 2022. Russian delays in fulfilling Algerian orders and redirection of export models to strengthen its own forces have created a supply gap.
Amid these challenges, China emerges as a key supplier for Algeria, filling the void left by Russia. With North Korea under UN arms embargo and its emerging Chonma 2 tank production, Algeria’s options are limited. China’s diverse tank production includes five models, such as the Type 96 sold to Sudan and derivatives of the Type 59 delivered to Iraq. The Type 99A represents the pinnacle of Chinese armored technology.
The VT-4, introduced in the late 2010s and developed specifically for export, has been acquired by Thailand, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Pakistani assessments indicate the VT-4 outperforms Ukraine’s T-80s and is expected to surpass India’s T-90s, presenting a viable alternative for Algeria to modernize its tank fleet and reduce reliance on Russian armor.
China’s entry into the Algerian defense market, one of the richest in Africa and the Arab world, positions its next-generation tanks advantageously. While Russia was anticipated to introduce its T-14 Armata successor, delays have pushed Algeria towards considering the VT-4.
The VT-4 features advanced capabilities with a 1,300 hp diesel engine, torsion bar suspension, hydraulic transmission, and automatic gear system. Its design includes an autoloader, reducing the crew size to three and lightening the tank compared to Russian models, though differing from Western, Japanese, and South Korean tanks with their 120mm guns. The VT-4 is equipped with composite and FY-4 explosive reactive armor, providing around 700mm of protection. The VT-4A1 variant, currently under evaluation by Algeria, includes an advanced active protection system, similar to the Israeli Trophy, along with grenade launchers and a laser warning receiver.
With Algeria’s T-90s lacking hard-kill active protection systems and Russia unlikely to supply such systems soon, Algeria is increasingly turning to Chinese military equipment. Recent acquisitions include YJ-12B anti-ship missiles, CH-4 drones, WM-80 rocket artillery, and PLZ-45 self-propelled howitzers. Additionally, Algeria applied to become a dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and joined the BRICS New Development Bank.
As the strategic and defense relationship between China and Russia evolves, Algeria is expected to deepen its defense collaboration with China, driven by the need to bolster its military capabilities in response to perceived threats from Western activities in the region.
