CHINA today (June 9) confirmed that 39 T-59D tanks have been delivered to Cambodia with this being the first batch of 93 being sent to the neighbouring country as part of an annual military cooperation programme, Naewna newspaper said.
Chinese Military Attaché Maj. Gen. Zhang Linhong unexpectedly paid a visit to the Defence Ministry and was greeted by representatives there with discussions held on various military cooperation issues.
During the talks he confirmed that Cambodia had already received this batch of 39 T-59D tanks while insisting it was an assistance project that was agreed upon before Cambodia and Thailand clashed twice last year with a ceasefire that came into force on Dec. 27 still holding.
This followed the release of a video showing China sending these tanks to Cambodia and Cambodia deploying them at the border with Thailand.
The T-59D tanks Cambodia received this time have been upgraded with a larger tank gun installed, increased from 100mm to 105mm, and equipped with a thermal imaging camera for nighttime targeting. The tanks also feature enhanced defence systems to intercept threats such as anti-tank rockets or guided missiles.
The Chinese attaché’s visit to the Defence Ministry came just as Thai Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen and Defence Permanent Secretary Gen. Tharapong Malakam accompanied Prime Ministry Anutin Charnvirakul on a two-day visit to Vietnam (June 8-9).
China’s Type 59D (T-59D) is an affordable and effective upgrade for the 1960’s Type 59 main battle tank. The T-59D cannot compete on a one-to-one basis with contemporary high-end main battle tanks. Yet, it is well suited for second line units, WeaponsSystems.net said.
Design
The T-59D is an overhaul and upgrade of existing Type 59 series tanks. Likely the Type 59-IIA was used as a donor vehicle since it is already equipped with the long barrel Type 83A 105mm rifled gun.
Firepower
The 105mm Type 83A rifled gun is the main armament. This is derived from the British L7 and fires dimensionally similar ammunition, but has a longer barrel. It is stabilised in both axis and is loaded manually. A digital fire computer with thermal gun sight and laser range finder is present. Reportedly it is also able to fire a guided missile.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – Chinese T-59D tanks being transported in Cambodia. Photos – Naewna
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