Type 96 vs Type 99: how to tell them apart

Two main battle tanks that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

Type 96

Main battle tank, China. In service since 1997

What gives it away

Six road wheels, a low turret with a squared-off spaced-armour front and a 125 mm gun, saw-toothed side skirts over the upper track; the 96A carries explosive armour blocks.

Used by

China, Sudan, Tanzania

Type 99

Main battle tank, China. In service since 2001

What gives it away

Six road wheels, a long hull and an angular turret with a wedge-shaped front; the 99A has a very boxy arrowhead turret front.

Used by

China

Where they differ

What they share

These won’t tell them apart.

• Tracked
• 6 road wheels
• Turret
• 125 mm gun
• Engine at the rear
• Turret in the middle
• Reactive armour blocks
• Smoke dischargers on the turret
• Return rollers

Type 96 · Type 99 · All guides