Vietnam's New T-1 Light Tank is an Amphibious Tank

05 Juni 2026

T-1 the new light tank from Vietnam (photo: Vietnam Defence II)

The list of countries producing their own tanks has grown: Vietnam has become the first country to fully develop a new national light combat vehicle, the T-1. A photograph released today reveals a resemblance to the Soviet PT-76.

Specifically, it has a similar hull shape. However, the undercarriage has one more road wheel on each side, plus four return rollers.

The tank is reportedly equipped with a 470-horsepower diesel engine. Its maximum road speed is approximately 80 kilometers per hour. Furthermore, the "one" should have excellent amphibious capabilities, which is crucial for the local combat environment.

The gun remains 76mm, but now features an automated loading system. There's also a twin machine gun and a remote-controlled module. A multi-channel panoramic sight is also visible on the roof.

The tank is equipped with laser radiation sensors and a grenade launcher that fires grenades that deploy defensive aerosol clouds. It weighs 18,600 kg and has a crew of three. Full-scale testing is scheduled to begin soon.

(Vestnik)