The tank has missile firing capability for hitting helicopters which is one of the major threats to tanks on a battlefield. Huanqiu quoted sources saying that the tank has a 105-mm main gun capable of firing shells. It also features a powerful combination of frontal armor on the hull and turret.

Expert at the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, Vasily Kashin sees one of the reasons for development of a new combat vehicle as Beijing's craving to respond to India's plans of reinforcing its mountain troops.

The new light tank is supposed to replace the old Chinese non-floating type 62 light tanks, which were not complicated and cheap tanks having a weak armor and weapons. The new Chinese light tank, in contrast, is of a very complex and original design. For example, its chassis is of a completely original design that is not found in other models of Chinese combat vehicles.

The tank has been developed by China North Industries Group Corp, popularly abbreviated as Norinco, the country’s biggest developer and maker of land armaments, to serve the People’s Liberation Army in mountainous terrain.

The new light tank was spotted during road and rail transport on an unidentified place in China.