These Are the Most Expensive Military Vehicles in Service Today
8. VT-2 Tank – China
Producers: Norinco
Main Users: People's Liberation Army
Unit Cost: $1–2 million*
Program Cost: $4–5 billion*
The VT-2 tank shares similarities with the Type 96, but it is specifically designed as the export variant, distinguishing it from the Type 96A. When the VT-2 was unveiled at the Defense Services Asia Exhibition in 2012, it garnered considerable attention due to its impressive capabilities and advanced features.
One notable aspect of the VT-2 is its integration of a remote weapons station. This armed system allows operators to control weaponry from a distance, enhancing crew safety and operational flexibility in combat situations. The remote capabilities are particularly valuable in modern warfare, where minimizing exposure to enemy fire is crucial.
The VT-2 tank possesses impressive maneuverability, capable of rotating on its own axis, which enhances its tactical flexibility on the battlefield. With a top speed of 43.4 mph on paved roads, the VT-2 is notably fast for a tank, allowing it to quickly reposition and respond to dynamic combat situations.
From a financial perspective, the VT-2 is somewhat more affordable than its counterparts, the VT1 and VT4 tanks, primarily due to the materials used in its construction. Despite this cost-effectiveness, the VT-2 maintains specifications that are comparable to the Type 96, ensuring that it does not compromise on performance or capabilities.
