Will Thais continue buying
Chinese land based armory as before, or what will be traded in for
these Type 96T Tanks? 
JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY - FEBRUARY 15, 2006
China tempts Thailand with modified MBT
Yihong Chang JDW Correspondent
Hong Kong
and Robert Karniol JDW Asia-Pacific Editor
Bangkok
China North Industries Corp (Norinco) has modified a main battle
tank (MBT) for potential sale to Thailand despite deep
dissatisfaction within the Royal Thai Army (RTA) over its earlier
procurement of Chinese armoured vehicles.
A Norinco source told JDW that its Type 96T MBT was designed
specifically for the Thai market and field tests have been
completed. The Type 96T is based on the Type 85-II, with a variant
already exported to Pakistan.
The vehicle weighs 41 tonnes and is powered by a V12 730 hp diesel
engine with power-to-weight ratio of 17.8 hp/tonne. The tank is
armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun and can carry 40 rounds of
ammunition is available, including armour-piercing fin-stabilised
discarding sabot, high-explosive anti-tank and high-explosive
shells.
The RTA obtained 108 Type 69-II MBTs and 450 YW531-H armoured
personnel carriers (APCs) from Norinco about 15 years ago. Both
platforms have proven problematic and it is thought that few of the
MBTs are currently operational.
The Chinese initiative appears to be in response to RTA interest in
expanding its mechanised capabilities. Bangkok revealed plans in
mid-2003 to meet this requirement through the proposed acquisition
from Switzerland of 170 Pz-68 heavy tanks, 24 recovery vehicles and
12 bridge-laying tanks from decommissioned stocks. However, the
initiative was ultimately abandoned.
Thailand's initial defence acquisitions from China, dating from the
late 1980s, is widely thought to have been due to personal
interests promoted by then army chief General Chavalit
Yongchaiyudh. Beijing won few contracts after Gen Chavalit faded
from power, but its position improved under the current Thai Prime
Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Last year it was announced that the two countries had concluded a
memorandum of understanding, yet to be finalised, which would see
the RTA obtain 97 WMZ-551B 6 x 6 APCs from Norinco under a barter
deal involving longan fruit supplies.
Thailand to trade fruit for armoured vehicles (jdw.janes.com,
25/05/05)
