The Type 89 tank destroyer (military designation PTZ-89, industrial designation WA320) is a Chinese armored, tracked, tank destroyer vehicle developed by Norinco for the People’s Liberation Army. The vehicle was developed in the 1980s and entered service in 1989.
Development
Armed with a 120-millimeter smoothbore gun, it was intended to combat newer generations of Western and Russian main battle tanks that were equipped with composite armor and 120 and 125-millimeter caliber guns. Despite a successful development process, with the end of the Cold War it became apparent that the weapon was no longer needed.[3] Production was halted in 1995 after around 100 examples had been built,[3] though the International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated 230 vehicles were built until retirement.[4] An official retirement ceremony was held by the 39th Army Group on 3 November 2015.[5][6]
Operators
China
People's Liberation Army Ground Force: 230 built and in-store (no longer in active service)[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e 89式120毫米自走反戰車砲
- ^ PTZ89
- ^ a b "Type 89 Tank Destroyer". China Defence Today sinodefence. Archived from the original on 30 January 2009.
- ^ a b The Military Balance 2021. The International Institute for Strategic Studies. 2021. pp. 250–251.
- ^ China to Retire Its Armored Tank Destroyers - Thediplomat.com, 19 November 2015
- ^ "老伙计再见:解放军89式自行反坦克炮开始退役". slide.mil.news.sina.com.cn. Retrieved 11 November 2015.