[Coming Soon] ZTZ-99A: Between East and West

Devblog Tanks6 July 2026

The Big and Medium Trophies contain a Chinese MBT with an exceptionally well-protected turret and outstanding mobility.

Historical Note

Following the adoption of the ZTZ99 main battle tank in the early 2000s, Chinese engineers launched an extensive modernization program. Completed in 2011, the upgraded variant, designated ZTZ99A, introduced a redesigned turret with enhanced protection, a more powerful diesel engine, and a hydro-mechanical transmission, significantly improving both mobility and combat effectiveness.

To this day, the ZTZ99A remains one of the most advanced tanks in service with the People's Liberation Army of China.

ZTZ-99A (Rank XIV)

Brief Analysis

Strengths: Strong turret armor, excellent mobility, powerful APFSDS rounds, autoloader.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable hull and turret sides.
Role in battle: One of the fastest MBTs in the game, combining high mobility with powerful armor-piercing rounds and an autoloader.

In battle

The ZTZ-99A is an advanced evolution of China’s main battle tank and a successful blend of Western and Eastern tank design philosophies. As one of the first vehicles introduced at Rank XIV in War Thunder Mobile, it represents more than just an upgrade, it is a complete reimagining of the Chinese MBT concept. Featuring a radically redesigned turret, improved mobility, and firepower capable of rivaling the world’s best tanks, the ZTZ-99A is a formidable addition to the battlefield.

The ZTZ-99A’s turret deserves special attention. Instead of conventional shapes, its engineers designed it with a streamlined, arrowhead profile. The turret combines composite armor with modern fillers and explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks, providing reliable protection against kinetic penetrators and even tandem-charge HEAT warheads.

In terms of firepower, the ZTZ-99A stays true to the traditions of the series. Its main armament is a 125 mm ZPT-98 smoothbore cannon equipped with a carousel-type autoloader. The tank’s ammunition includes several shell types, including APFSDS rounds capable of penetrating more than 570 mm of armor and effective tandem-charge ATGMs.

View characteristics of the ZTZ-99A’s shells:

Compared to its predecessor, the tank gained weight, but its new engine made it even more agile. Its high power-to-weight ratio allows it to reach speeds of over 80 km/h forward and nearly 40 km/h in reverse.

The ZTZ-99A combines the best features of modern main battle tanks with virtually no significant drawbacks. It will be an excellent choice for skilled War Thunder Mobile players, who will appreciate its exceptional mobility combined with formidable firepower.

Premium version of the ZTZ-99A (Rank XIV)

The Premium variant is an extra tank for your hangar! The premium tank maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium tank you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

* The characteristics apply to a fully upgraded vehicle with a level 100 crew.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

Release Details

Premium version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Big Trophy.
By reaching the top-10 in the relevant Leaderboard.
From the Collector's Trophy after adding the vehicle to this trophy type;
In Special Offers.

Standard version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Medium Trophy.
Order vehicles for Silver Lions after collecting 1,000 blueprints.

Ways to get blueprints:

From the Medium Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 10 to 100 pcs per attempt.
From the Big Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 80 to 200 pcs per attempt.
In the in-game store: purchase for Silver Lions a Folder with a number of blueprints (even after the season ends).
In special offers.