[Coming Soon] MBT-2000: The Chinese Pioneer

Historical Note

The MBT-2000 was developed by Pakistani company HIT (Heavy Industries Taxila) in collaboration with the Chinese corporation Norinco, based on the Type 90-IIM tank. The project was adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of South Asia: the original Chinese diesel engine was replaced with a Ukrainian two-stroke 6TD-2 engine, which offered better suitability for high temperatures and dust. The tank received a modern fire control system with a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder, as well as a 125 mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader.

In 2001, the tank was adopted by the Pakistani military under its own name, Al-Khalid. The vehicle remains the backbone of the Pakistani Armed Force’s armored formations to this day.

MBT-2000 (Rank XIII)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: Good power-to-weight ratio and top speed in both forward and reverse; good selection of shells.
• Weaknesses: Weak armour compared to tanks of its rank, relatively long reload for its rank, limited gun depression angles.
• Opportunities: Flanking thanks to its high mobility; using minor terrain features for cover.
• Threats: Hits to the side and rear of the hull; penetration of the upper front plate by enemy APFSDS shells can cause an ammunition explosion and/or crew loss.

In battle

The MBT-2000 is a joint Chinese-Pakistani development that retains the classic layout of its predecessors, the Type 90-IIM and the T-72, but features deep modernization of key systems and improved protection.

The tank is armed with a domestically produced 125 mm caliber gun. The large carousel-type autoloader, inherited from the T-72 family without significant changes, results in an average fire rate of just over 7 seconds per shot. With good knowledge of enemy weak spots and against disorganized teams, this reload speed is sufficient to eliminate any opponent at its rank.

However, commanders will need to familiarize themselves with its shell selection! In addition to the standard HEATFS and HE shells, commanders receive two types of APFSDS rounds. The best of these penetrates about 570 mm of armor at close range. The HE-VT shell with a proximity fuse, which detonates above an enemy armored vehicle or near an aircraft, is capable of engaging both ground and aerial targets.

The MBT-2000's armor is complex and composite, utilizing modern NERA panels and elements of the Chinese FY-2 dynamic protection system. The highest concentration of protective elements is located on the frontal part of the tank. By positioning the tank directly facing the enemy, an MBT-2000 commander can expect a high chance of surviving hits from both chemical energy and kinetic energy penetrators, including top-tier rounds. The most vulnerable areas remain the hull sides and the lower part of the lower front plate (LFP); a penetration there often leads to the detonation of ammunition in the autoloader.

Significant changes have also been made under the hood. The MBT-2000 received a new diesel engine that provides excellent power-to-weight ratio, high top speed, and – particularly valuable for a descendant of the T-72 – good reverse speed. The tank is very agile for its 48 ton weight, allowing it to quickly peek out to attack and retreat after firing, keeping pace with other modern MBTs.

The MBT-2000 is a harmonious and well-balanced tank, with no glaring weaknesses and equally well-suited for any task expected of a main battle tank. Nevertheless, when planning battle tactics for this MBT, one must remember its poor gun depression. This can hinder comfortable gameplay on open maps with hills and ravines, so it is better to choose positions in urban areas or on flat low ground.

Premium version of the MBT-2000 (Rank XIII)

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.

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!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The MBT-2000 (Rank XIII) can be obtained in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) from Medium or Big Trophies in the Tank Campaign with the start of the new Season.