It would appear based on Chinese sources in
Late June 2017 during a news conference confirmed reports that they were testing their "new" light tank in
Tibet. Not sure when this was deemed operational, but, this might change that date. This tank is being developed for high altitude ops, and as I pointed when this tank first appeared on the radar a few yrs. back, it's intended to fight India. Look at the map.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com...w/59369545.cms
https://www.armyrecognition.com/weap...the_tibet.html
https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/chin...ew-light-tank/
(Read the article and don't get caught up in it's title. PJC)
http://www.defenseworld.net/news/202...T_5_Light_Tank
(Kind've missed the mark though with the picture.PJC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQtH4L0LsDM
(VT-5 Export version. With a 1000hp engine and at 30-35 tons it'll fly.PJC)
https://www.armyrecognition.com/chin..._11711164.html
Both are in the final phases of development the VT-5 I believe is a little closer due to it's income potential. Bangladesh apparently is close or has signed a contract to get them.
Regards,
Pat
