Thai Army reviews Chinese VT-4 tank reliability after issues during Cambodia border clashes.

Videos and witness reports widely shared on social media in December 2025 show multiple Chinese-made VT-4 tanks of the Royal Thai Army suffering serious technical failures during operations near the Cambodian border. The emerging pattern of barrel ruptures and reported engine problems is now prompting questions about fleet reliability, operational readiness, and sustainment under high-stress conditions.

A series of videos and images circulating across social media platforms in December 2025 suggests that the Royal Thai Army is facing mounting technical issues with its Chinese-made VT-4 main battle tanks during activities near the Cambodian border. The material, later acknowledged by Thai military officials, shows at least one 125 millimeter smoothbore gun suffering a catastrophic barrel rupture, alongside separate reports of powerpack and engine-related failures during sustained operations, raising concerns beyond a single isolated malfunction.
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 Introduced into Thai service in 2017, the VT-4 was selected to replace aging U.S.-built M48 and M60 tanks, as well as to supplement the limited fleet of Ukrainian-origin T-84 Oplot-Ts (Picture source: X Account @TheDeadDistrict)

This accident has revived longstanding concerns inside the Thai Army over the VT-4’s performance and durability under real-world conditions. Introduced into Thai service in 2017, the VT-4 was selected to replace aging U.S.-built M48 and M60 tanks, as well as to supplement the limited fleet of Ukrainian-origin T-84 Oplot-Ts. Thailand currently fields 49 VT-4 tanks, delivered in two batches: an initial order for 28 units and a second acquisition of 21, following trials at Adisorn military camp in Saraburi.

The VT-4, also known as the MBT-3000, is the export variant of China’s third-generation main battle tank developed by NORINCO. Designed for foreign customers seeking a modern but cost-effective alternative to Western MBTs, the VT-4 incorporates a range of contemporary technologies aimed at enhancing firepower, protection, and digital battlefield management. Its 125mm smoothbore cannon is equipped with an automatic loader, capable of firing a range of kinetic and chemical energy munitions, including high-explosive anti-tank and high-explosive squash head rounds. The gun can also fire a laser-guided anti-tank missile based on the Russian 9K119 Refleks, with a maximum range of 5 kilometers.

The VT-4 carries 38 rounds of main gun ammunition, with 22 rounds stored in the autoloader, which can cycle at a rate of eight rounds per minute. Secondary armament includes a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon station mounted on the commander's cupola for close-in defense and anti-aircraft roles. While the tank's firepower configuration is on par with modern MBTs, the recent barrel explosion raises serious questions about thermal resilience and barrel metallurgy, particularly under conditions of prolonged high-intensity firing.

Structurally, the VT-4 follows a conventional layout with a three-man crew: driver in the front hull, gunner and commander in the turret. The turret is constructed of welded steel and reinforced with composite armor over the frontal arc. Explosive reactive armor (ERA) panels can be mounted on the hull and turret for additional protection. The latest variants delivered to Thailand reportedly include FY-4 level ERA, designed to defeat tandem warheads, though criticism has emerged over the effectiveness of side armor in dynamic combat scenarios.

Mobility is powered by a 1,300-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine with electronic control, providing a top road speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of 500 km. The VT-4 uses a torsion bar suspension system with hydraulic dampers and six dual roadwheels per side. The chassis allows the vehicle to overcome a 60% gradient, a vertical obstacle of 1.2 meters, and to ford water obstacles up to 5 meters deep with prior preparation. Two auxiliary fuel drums can be mounted at the rear to extend range during long-distance operations.

Internally, the VT-4 is equipped with a panoramic commander’s sight, a laser rangefinder, second-generation thermal imaging for both commander and gunner, and an integrated fire-control system. Defensive subsystems include a collective NBC protection suite, an automatic fire suppression system, and the GL5 active protection system integrated with laser warning receivers and smoke grenade dischargers.

Despite these high-spec features, Thai operators have expressed frustration with the VT-4’s overall reliability, particularly in hot and humid operational environments. In multiple previous training cycles, crews have documented recurring issues with turret drive systems, fire-control reliability, and thermal management during extended operations. The barrel failure now serves as the most visible and alarming symptom of these underlying technical concerns.

The Royal Thai Army has not announced any immediate changes to VT-4 deployment or usage, but the outcome of the technical inspection may influence future decisions regarding fleet sustainment or modernization. As regional tensions persist and armored forces remain critical to Thailand’s land defense doctrine, the viability of the VT-4 platform is now under renewed scrutiny from both within and beyond the Thai defense establishment.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group

Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.