Tank origin

Produced in the 1980s to keep pace with Soviet and Western technology, the Type 80 main battle tank was an update of the Type 69. Its hull was longer than that of the Type 69 and was fitted with composite armor, as was the turret. Additionally, the Type 80’s 105mm rifled gun was able to fire both Chinese and NATO-made ammunition, and the tank could be equipped with a snorkel for fording deep water.