Thailand snaps up Chinese tanks
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has ordered 28 Norinco VT4 tanks from China to replace elderly M41s due to delays in Oplot-M deliveries from Ukraine.
The respective governments signed a US$137 million procurement contract on 21 March to buy the VT4/MBT-3000 main battle tank (MBT), which equates to $4.9 million each. Delivery will occur within two years.
RTA delegates visited the manufacturer and witnessed efficiency tests in China from 25-31 October. The decision to buy was made after comparisons of the VT4 and Russian T-90S were completed.
Criteria such as production capability, after-sales service, technology transfer, unit price and equipment
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