China is preparing to unveil a new generation battle tank that is radically different from the traditions of Western, American and even Soviet design.
Arab Defense website-August 17, 2025: Pictures of the last military parade exercises were taken scenes of the vehicle that some sources indicate bearing the name ZTZ-(or ZTZ-20). Reports indicate that it is a revival of the medium tank category with a weight of between 35 and 40 tons.
Unlike the heavy heavy fighting tanks adopted by other armies, the Chinese design focuses on normative flexibility, digitization, and hybrid payment. It is reported that the tank is equipped with a power unit with a capacity of 1,500 hp, which combines a diesel engine, battery systems and electric motors that offer the maximum payment force. This system provides an expanded operational range, with a top speed of 80 km per hour on the roads, and 50 km per hour on rough lands.
As for the armament, it consists of a main 105 mm main cannon, but the progress in the drive and motor energy techniques makes its fiery power almost equivalent to the NATO 120 mm NATO cannons and the Russian cannons of 125 mm. The sources indicate that the supercar kinetic shells of shields achieve a nozzle speed of up to 1,706 meters per second, which puts their performance at the level of the greatest defender.
The crew was also reduced to only three individuals thanks to automation. For the first time, operators are provided with a reinforced reality helmet that enhances their field awareness, as it provides a digital layer of tactical information that integrates with tank systems to facilitate targeting, navigation and monitor threats.
The tank includes modern sensors to monitor the surrounding environment and detect potential dangers, and are linked to the GL active protection system, designed to intercept anti -armor projectiles. It is also provided with a remote control tower on the ceiling of the vehicle, which is believed to be dedicated to dealing with small running aircraft, including FPV suicide bombers (the perspective of the first person) whose use is increasing in modern wars.
Chinese engineers appear to have focused on developing a lighter, faster and more flexible platform, which combines traditional shielding, advanced electronics and hybrid payment. This concept differs from the heavy western tank designs by sacrificing the mass against speed, digital integration and the ability to withstand the drivers and guided weapons.
Choosing a group of weight between 35 and 40 tons reflects an ideological shift; The medium tanks of this weight had almost disappeared from the major armies, to be replaced by heavy tanks or light -spiteful fighting compounds. By reviving this category, China may be in the process of launching a new approach to the maneuvering war that focuses on operational flexibility and rapid spread.
The public appearance of the tank comes during the preparations of the military parade within the framework of the extensive modernization process in the People’s Liberation Army. Although official specifications have not been issued yet, the distinctive design elements reveal Beijing’s interest in applying the latest technology in the armored war field.
ZTZ-201 is expected to be officially presented during the military parade on September 3 in Beijing, on the occasion of the eighties of the end of World War II, a tradition that China used to review its advanced systems, in reference to the development of its military faith.
Despite the limited details available, the standard design, hybrid payment, advanced grooms, and the use of the augmented reality of its crew are all indications of an ambitious Chinese effort to redefine the role of tanks in future battlefields.
The article showed new details about the Chinese tank of the new generation ZTZ-201 first on the Arab Defense website.
