Over the past few weeks, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has been finalizing preparations for what is expected to be an imposing military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. According to the latest reports, the military parade to be held in Beijing, presided over by President Xi Jinping, will be the stage where the Asian Giant showcases its most advanced weapon systems, as well as the platform where new air and land systems will be officially unveiled. This appears to be the case for the PLA’s land component, as the force is reportedly preparing to present its new medium tank, which was recently observed during the parade rehearsals scheduled for September 3.
Although its development has not been officially confirmed, this new armored combat vehicle, weighing around 40 tons, is said to have received the provisional designation “ZTZ-201,” according to Chinese sources and reports.
Currently, the land component of the People’s Liberation Army is supported by a large fleet of tanks, among which the ZTZ-99 stands out as its most advanced combat vehicle, complemented by previous generations of armored vehicles such as the ZTZ-88 and ZTZ-96. In recent years, and seeking to adapt to different operational requirements, new tanks that moved away from the MBT concept of the previously mentioned ones have been introduced, most notably the Type 15 Black Panther light tank, which has even been exported to Bangladesh.
With this background, and considering the latest developments in rival powers such as the United States and India—where the M10 Booker (whose development and production was canceled) and the Zorawar have stood out—it is reasonable to assume that the PLA has pushed forward the development of a new medium tank, culminating in the aforementioned ZTZ-201.
Spotted days ago during the Victory Day rehearsals, alongside other armored vehicles that could be based on its platform for infantry support or tank destroyer missions, the ZTZ-201 appears as a roughly 40-ton tank equipped with a 120 mm main gun and a remote weapon station fitted with a machine gun.
In addition, photographs reveal further details about the systems and equipment it integrates, among which an active protection system (APS) stands out—presumed to be a version based on the new GL-6—as well as an extensive set of electro-optical sensors providing the three-person crew with 360° situational awareness. This is not a minor feature, considering the threat posed by swarm-deployed FPS-type drones on the battlefield, which have raised doubts about the tank’s continued role as the primary symbol of ground power.
Lastly, only further assumptions can be made regarding other aspects of the ZTZ-201, which is believed to feature an advanced fire control system, modular armor, and other characteristics not visible in the photographs, such as a new hybrid propulsion system. All that remains is to wait until September 3 to unravel more of its secrets when it makes its first official appearance during Victory Day.
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