A mid-life upgrade was commenced around 2008, called ZTZ-99 Phase-II to distinguish it from the initial production model. The new iteration featured a new angled turret and revised ERA blocks.

The ZTZ99-II (ZTZ99式主战坦克 二类定型状态, aka 99一期改; industry code WZ123) is the accepted variant of the ZTZ99 in PLAGF service since the early 2000s. The need for a new MBT arose after Project 122, which proved inadequate against potential Soviet assaults on mainland China. A project for a new tank was initiated in April 1984.

Oct 19, 2024 · The Type 99A also called Type 99A2 or ZTZ-99A MBT (Main Battle Tank) is an improved version of the Type 99 MBT designed and manufactured in China by the local defense industry. The development of Type 99 started in 1999, and the tank entered service with the Chinese army in 2001.

The ZhuangJia Tanke ZhuZhan 99 Stage II (ZTZ99式主战坦克 二类定型状态, aka 99一期改; coded WZ123) is the accepted version of the ZTZ99 in PLAGF service since the early 2000s. The plan for a new MBT for the PLAGF arose after the Project 122, which was lacking in firepower against possible Soviet assaults on Mainland China.

Type 99A2 Main Battle Tank ZTZ-99 / WZ-123 / MBT-2000 A reported variant, referred to as the Type 99A2, was trialed at the end of 2007 showing additional ERA coverage on the tank's turret.

OSINT progressed in between so we can tell there are only two types for fure: The base ZTZ 99 ("type" is now deprecated), and the ZTZ 99A, a completely new animal, albeit sharing many parts.

The turret looks better and serves as a backup for their top tier lineup. The 99-3 doesn't have that ugly round thing on top of its turret.

May 4, 2021 · After the ZTZ-99 entered service, the PLA made some refinements to it leading to an obscure variant known as the Stage or Phase II that was quickly overshadowed by it's newer brother, the ZTZ-99A. Models of the different ZTZ-99 variants. The main difference is …

The ZTZ99 (also known as Type 99, industrial designation WZ123) manufactured by China Northern Industries Group Corporation (CNGC) is the most advanced main battle tank (MBT) fielded by the PLA.

Type 99 - Initial production form; applied armor; support for third-generation ERA blocks; improved thermal imaging sights; semi-automatic transmission; wedge tower construction.