What appears to be a new Chinese main battle tank prototype, larger than the previously seen Type 100, was spotted on a trailer on the road by a local.
Following the Type 100, incorporating many new features and standing on the border between a main battle tank (MBT) and medium tank, China might be going for a full-size tank with a larger calibre gun while drawing from the set of capabilities established with Type 100.
Chinese Twitter (X) user @WZZJWZ shared a footage showing a larger tank prototype compared to the Type 100 with seven road wheels (Type 100 uses six wheels) and a larger calibre main gun. On the other hand, the tank appears to have a larger hull than not only Type 100 but also the heavier in-service Type 99 MBT.
Type 100, as a rather unique design with 40 ton class weight, a new 105 mm high-pressure gun, and a hybrid-electric powerpack alongside new features for control and protection, might also have formed the technological framework for a full-size MBT that adopts a larger calibre gun and heavier armour.
China currently operates the Type 99 as its frontline MBT, in use since 2001, with various upgrades having been introduced. The most recent variant of Type 99 is Type 99B, shown during the parade of 2025. The size difference but seemingly identical layout with the new Type 100 tank suggests that China is setting its sights on a light-heavy mix for its future tank fleet after the Type 99 + Type 15 duo.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
