Dec 12: a Chinese-manufactured VT-4 main battle tank operated by the Royal Thai Army reportedly suffered severe damage during intense frontline combat against Cambodia. During the engagement, the tank’s main gun reportedly ruptured, leaving the barrel shattered and rendering the vehicle combat ineffective.
In addition to the catastrophic damage to the main armament, the tank’s fire control–related targeting system and its laser warning system were also damaged. These systems are critical for modern armored combat, particularly for target acquisition, engagement accuracy, and warning against enemy laser designation.
Three members of the tank crew were reportedly wounded in the incident.
The VT-4 is a modern main battle tank developed and manufactured in China by NORINCO and exported to several countries, including Thailand.
The tank features a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing conventional ammunition as well as gun-launched guided projectiles, along with a digital fire control system and defensive aids such as laser warning receivers.

Thailand acquired the VT-4 as part of its armored force modernization effort, replacing older Western and Soviet-era platforms. The tank is intended to provide improved firepower, mobility, and battlefield awareness compared to legacy systems previously in Thai service.
The VT-4 tank has been promoted by China as a competitive export platform comparable to Western and Russian designs. Thailand’s experience with the system has been closely watched by other potential buyers in Southeast Asia and beyond.
https://defence-blog.com/thai-vt-4-tank-damaged-during-border-clashes/?amp…
Dec 12: a Chinese-manufactured VT-4 main battle tank operated by the Royal Thai Army reportedly suffered severe damage during intense frontline combat against Cambodia. During the engagement, the tank’s main gun reportedly ruptured, leaving the barrel shattered and rendering the vehicle combat ineffective.
In addition to the catastrophic damage to the main armament, the tank’s fire control–related targeting system and its laser warning system were also damaged. These systems are critical for modern armored combat, particularly for target acquisition, engagement accuracy, and warning against enemy laser designation.
Three members of the tank crew were reportedly wounded in the incident.
The VT-4 is a modern main battle tank developed and manufactured in China by 
NORINCO and exported to several countries, including Thailand.
The tank features a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing conventional ammunition as well as gun-launched guided projectiles, along with a digital fire control system and defensive aids such as laser warning receivers.

Thailand acquired the VT-4 as part of its armored force modernization effort, replacing older Western and Soviet-era platforms. The tank is intended to provide improved firepower, mobility, and battlefield awareness compared to legacy systems previously in Thai service.
The VT-4 tank has been promoted by China as a competitive export platform comparable to Western and Russian designs. Thailand’s experience with the system has been closely watched by other potential buyers in Southeast Asia and beyond.
defence-blog.com/thai-vt-4-tank