VN16

OddPhenomena · February 25, 2026, 8:14pm

Would you like to see the Thai VN16 in-game?

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Welcome to the suggestion for the VN16 in Thai service! Currently in service with the Royal Thai Marine Corps, the VN16 is an amphibious assault vehicle, armed with a 105 mm ZPL98A gun. As you may be able to tell, the VN16 is of Chinese origin, more specifically an export variant of the ZLT05 / ZTD05 assault vehicle in service with the People’s Liberation Army. This would be a solid light tank addition to the Thai subtree in-game, with decent mobility and, depending on its ammunition, excellent firepower.

Overview

VN16s arriving at Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi Province, May 2021.

During a the 2019 Defense & Security Exhibition in Thailand, Norinco showcased the export variant of its ZLT05 amphibious assault vehicle, the VN16. This caught the attention of the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC), who still operated old Type 69-IIs, a number of which had been dumped into the ocean as artificial reefs. Expressing interest to Norinco, the Royal Thai Navy ordered the VN16 in October 2020 with a bid price of 398.1 million Baht, or $13 million. This made Thailand the second customer of the VN16 after Venezuela, who received six in 2015 for the Venezuelan Marine Corps.

Three vehicles were delivered the following May, entering service with the RTMC’s Marine Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion. These vehicles were delivered to the Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi Province, and would be seen later in the year. On this occasion, two of the three VN16s took part in a ceremony for the retirement of Admiral Chatchai Sriworakhan on September 27th, 2021.

A look through the rear door of the VN16, showing the ammunition stowage in the hull rear.

The VN16 is armed with a fully stabilized ZPL98A 105 mm gun, capable of firing all standard NATO and compatible 105×617mm rounds, including Norinco’s own DTW2 and BTA2 APFSDS rounds it offers for export, which are likely to have been included with the VN16. Its diesel engine can output 550 hp on land, but around 1,475 to 1,600 in water, allowing it to reach speeds of 65 km/h on land, and 25 km/h on water. While its armor is unlikely to protect it from dedicated anti-tank fire, it can resist 12.7 mm machine gun rounds.

Since entering service, the VN16s have been seen during exercises involving the RTMC, including in exercises done with the People’s Liberation Army. It’s unknown if further orders will be made for the VN16, but for now, the VN16 makes up some of the heavier direct firepower the RTMC can bring to the table.