[🇧🇩-Land] Bangladesh Army: Artillery & Armored

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Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory Limited (BMTF)

BMTF is a commercial enterprise run under the management of Bangladesh Army.

www.bmtf.com.bd

In 2001, the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF) established a state-of-the-art Vehicle Assembly Shop, equipped with cutting-edge machinery and tools, to uphold the highest quality standards in vehicle assembly. This facility boasts high-speed production lines dedicated to activities such as spot welding, painting, and rigorous vehicle testing, enabling an annual production capacity of 3,000 motorcycles and 1,500 wagons. Over the past two decades, we have successfully assembled a diverse range of vehicles including trucks, pickups, buses, jeeps, and more.

Currently, we are actively engaged in international collaborations with top automobile companies, with a focus on expanding our business beyond borders. Furthermore, we have undertaken a new venture to assemble advanced armored tanks and combat vehicles. Our continuous exploration in the automobile sector has had a positive impact on our country's economy and its citizens. With our strategic location, well-developed logistics, skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and our status as a state-owned enterprise, we stand as one of the leading automobile assembly industries in our nation.​

 

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The Bangladesh Army has received a new batch of Chinese-made Norinco VT-5 light tanks in February 2026, marking an expansion of its armored capabilities. This acquisition, estimated to be a second regiment of 44 tanks following the initial 2022 delivery, aligns with the Forces Goal 2030 modernization plan to replace ageing Type 59 and Type 69-IIG tanks.

Key Details of the Acquisition:

Manufacturer: NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation).

Purpose: Enhanced mobility and firepower for challenging, less-developed, or riverine terrain.

Platform: The VT-5 is an export version of the PLA's Type 15/ZTQ-15 light tank.

Delivery Timeline: Initial batch was inducted in December 2022, with the new batch arriving in February 2026 at the port of Chattogram.

Features: Features a 105mm rifled gun, automatic loader, advanced optics, and, crucially, a lower weight (~34 tons) compared to conventional main battle tanks, making it suitable for versatile deployment.​

 

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Bangladesh receives additional VT5 tanks from China - Asian Military Review

An initial shipment of a second tranche of VT5 light tanks from Norinco was recently observed being offloaded at the Bangladeshi port of Chattogram.

www.asianmilitaryreview.com

Bangladesh receives additional VT5 tanks from China
By Stephen W. Miller -February 19, 2026

Bangladesh has received another shipment of VT5 light tanks, presumed to represent a second order of the type from China.

An initial shipment of a second tranche of VT5 light tanks from Norinco was recently observed being offloaded at the Bangladeshi port of Chattogram.

These arrivals represent what is believed to be the first of a second army order for the Chinese light tank, and they will join an armoured regiment of 44 tanks previously ordered in 2019 and delivered from 2022 onwards.

Bangladesh’s VT5 tanks were first displayed publicly in the country’s Victory Day military parade on 16 December 2022.

It is believed that the Bangladesh Army will also receive VT4A1 main battle tanks from China, as photos were circulating last year of the type painted in a Bangladesh camouflage scheme. These procurements will help the country meet its Forces Goal 2030 modernisation objectives.

The VT5 light tank, an export version of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Type 15/ZTQ-15, is offered by Norinco to meet the requirements of countries with less-developed infrastructure. To date, Bangladesh is the only foreign customer.

The VT5 has a combat weight of around 34 tonnes, which allows it to traverse less-capable roads and bridges. The 1,000hp engine offers a power-to-weight ratio as high as 30hp/ton, and it has features suitable for high-altitude operations. The tank is designed to be rugged and require minimum maintenance.

The VT5/ZTQ-15 light tank was developed by China’s military with a focus on mobility and optimal availability. (Norinco)

The VT5 is equipped with a stabilised 105mm rifled main gun that uses ammunition which Norinco claims is more lethal than legacy tank ammunition of the same calibre. The crew of three is assisted by an autoloader, advanced optics for the commander and gunner, and a digital fire control with laser rangefinder and ballistic computer.

A roof-mounted 12.7mm machine gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun are also present. The basic steel armour protection can be augmented by add-on explosive reactive armour.

Overall, the VT5 light tank is viewed as an appropriate armoured firepower solution for the Bangladesh Army. This view is further reinforced by the success of the PLA’s Type 15 tanks in high-altitude operations when confronting India.

It also reflects the assessment that superior mobility offers tactical advantage over heavier, better-protected and larger armoured vehicles in some circumstances.

Bangladesh also operates 44 MBT-2000 tanks that were delivered by Norinco a number of years ago.

by Stephen W. Miller​