Type 69IMP

The Type 69 and Type 79 are Chinese first-generation main battle tanks developed as evolutions of the Type 59 medium tank. Development was initiated in 1963 by the No. 60 Research Institute and the Fifth Ministry of Machine Building under the internal designation WZ121. While the first prototype was completed in 1966, the program was delayed by the Cultural Revolution. Following the 1969 Sino-Soviet border conflict, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) integrated technologies from a captured Soviet T-62, including the Luna infrared searchlight system, into the design. The vehicle was formally inducted into service in 1974.

The Type 69 retains the chassis layout of the Type 59, including the distinct gap between the first and second road wheels. Early production models featured a 100mm smoothbore gun, the first indigenous Chinese tank gun capable of firing APFSDS rounds. It utilized two-plane gun stabilization and a laser rangefinder mounted on the gun mantlet. The integration of infrared searchlights for the commander and gunner provided the first night-combat capability in Chinese armor. Mobility was provided by an upgraded V-12 diesel engine and torsion-bar suspension. While firepower was improved, the initial armor protection remained identical to the Type 59 and lacked NBC protection.

During the 1980s, China incorporated Western technologies into the series, resulting in the Type 79 variant. This version featured a British Marconi fire control system with a ballistic computer, thermal imaging, and a 105mm rifled gun. It also introduced automatic NBC protection, side-skirt armor, and rubber-padded tracks.

The vehicle became a primary export for the Chinese defense industry, particularly the Type 69-II variant. It was sold in large numbers to both sides during the Iran-Iraq War. Iraq further modified its fleet into the Type 69-QM series, which featured reinforced frontal layer armor and, on some units, 105mm or 125mm guns. During the 1991 Gulf War, Iraqi Type 69 units were deployed to the frontline. In the 2003 invasion of Iraq, they were utilized by forces defending Nasiriyah, where they were employed as artillery pillboxes and used in ambushes against the US Army 507th Maintenance Company and the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. Myanmar Army Type 69 tanks also engaged Royal Thai Army M60A3 tanks during a border conflict in 2001.

The tank remains in service in several countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar. Bangladesh operates the T-69IIG, an upgraded model with explosive reactive armor and a 105mm gun. In China, the Type 69 and Type 79 have been largely transitioned to training and reserve units as they are replaced by more modern designs.