Vietnam Unveiled T-1 Light Tank, Capable of Fording Water and Reaching Speeds of Up to 80 km/h

Vietnam has completed the development of a prototype of the T-1 light tank, which features an automatic loader, a modern fire control system, and the ability to traverse water obstacles. The vehicle has become the largest project of the country’s national defense industry in the field of armored vehicles.

This was reported by the official publication of the Vietnam People’s Army, People’s Army Newspaper, following a visit to the project by the country’s Ministry of Defense leadership.

The tank is being developed at the Z125 defense enterprise with the participation of a number of research and production institutions of the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense.

The project aims to provide the country with a modern combat vehicle of its own production and reduce dependence on imported armored vehicles.

Judging by the published photos, the vehicle is based on the concept of the Soviet PT-76 amphibious tank, which was in service with the Vietnamese army for decades.

At the same time, the T-1 has been equipped with a new turret, modern sighting systems, digital control systems, and improved protection.

The vehicle’s main armament is a 76-mm cannon with an automatic loader, which reduces the crew size and increases the rate of fire.

The tank is also equipped with a remotely controlled combat module featuring a large-caliber machine gun and modern surveillance systems for the commander and gunner.

One of the T-1’s key features is the preservation of its amphibious capabilities. This is important for Vietnam, whose territory is characterized by a large number of rivers, canals, and swampy areas.

According to local media reports, the vehicle’s maximum speed on the highway can reach 80 km/h, making it one of the fastest armored vehicles in its class.

In April, the leadership of the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense set the task of accelerating the completion of testing and preparing the vehicle for a demonstration at the Vietnam Defense Expo 2026 international exhibition.

It is expected that the first public unveiling of the new tank will take place there, demonstrating the growing capabilities of the Vietnamese defense industry in creating complex combat platforms.

Brief technical specifications of the T-1:

• Type: light amphibious tank;
• Basic concept: development of the PT-76 family;
• Main armament: 76-mm gun;
• Loading: automatic;
• Additional armament: remotely controlled module with a 12.7-mm machine gun;
• Maximum road speed: up to 80 km/h;
• Ability to cross water obstacles: by fording;
• Fire control system: digital;
• Sighting system: commander’s panoramic sight;
• Status: prototype undergoing preparation for testing.

As a reminder, earlier the XTC-03 armored personnel carrier was unveiled in Vietnam.