The Nigerian army has launched a large-scale operation in the north-east of the country against the militants of the terrorist organization Boko Haram (banned in the Russian Federation). The action, dubbed "Tura Takai Bango", involves the latest weapons acquired by Nigeria in China: VT-4 tanks, ST-1 wheeled tanks and 105-mm SH-5 self-propelled guns.
For the VT-4, this is the first experience of combat use, Dambiev notes. The 51-ton tank was created by Norinco Corporation specifically for export. The main was the prototype of the Type 90-II.
The VT-4 is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun capable of firing guided missiles at five kilometers, two machine guns: a built-in 7.62 mm caliber and a large - caliber anti-aircraft gun, as well as shrapnel grenade launchers.
The range on the highway is 500 kilometers, the maximum speed is 75 km/h. The vehicle is built according to the classic layout, the front of the hull and turrets are covered with composite armor and dynamic protection, anti-cumulative screens are installed on the stern. The tank's weapons are controlled by a digital system.
A number of tanks were delivered to Nigeria in April 2020. 49 VT-4 ordered by Thailand.
Anton Valagin