page_title: Tanks in China
section_title: Type 99
hierarchical_section_title: Tanks in China / Overview per tank / Type 99
context_page_description: From the early half of the 20th century, tanks were initially obtained from other countries; eventually indigenously designed Chinese tanks started manufacture and became used during the Cold War and towards the modern era.
context_section_description: The 9910 tank (Type 99 prototype) had a hull (chassis) similar to the T-72 or T-80 while having a welded turret like most Western tanks. The aim was to create a tank that could defeat the Soviet T-80 and approach the capabilities of the German Leopard 2. Small-scale production of the 9910 tank was begun in time for the tank to be featured in the PRC's National Day parade in 1999. Following the completion of the 9910 tank, research into improved versions of the tank continued within the Chinese government, eventually gave rise to next Chinese design, These programs produced the Type 99. At the end of 2001, the first batch of 40 Type 99 tanks entered service with the regular Army.
  The Type 99, also known as ZTZ-99 and WZ-123, developed from the 9910 tank (in turn, a development of the Type 98), is a third generation main battle tank (MBT) fielded by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. It is made to compete with other modern tanks. Although not expected to be acquired in large numbers due to its high cost compared to the more economical Type 96, it is currently the most advanced MBT fielded by China. The website ArmyTechnology.com considers the ZTZ99 MBT to be one of the 12 best tanks in the world, and is a successor to the Type 88 tank manufactured for the People's Liberation Army (P).Three main versions of the Type 99 have been deployed, the Type 99 prototype, Type 99, and Type 99A, incorporating improved weapon system, new active protection system, and advanced electronics.
caption: Type 98 tank seen here in rehearsal for the October 1st 1999 National Day Military Parade.
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