ZBD-08 | ZBD-04 | Type 04 / Chinese Revised and Improved Version of the Soviet/Russian IFV

Military Encyclopedia
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ZBD-08. The ZBD-08 is a Chinese revised and improved version of the Soviet-slash-Russian
BMP-3. First production version, the ZBD-04, entered service with Chinese Army in 2004.
An improved ZBD-08 followed a couple of years later. This new infantry fighting vehicles are
produced in large numbers for the Chinese Army. Even though the ZBD-08 externally resembles the
BMP-3, the vehicle has been redesigned considerably. It has a revised layout with
engine at the front and troop compartment at the rear. Chinese designers managed to eliminate a
number of drawbacks of the Russian BMP-3, such as cramped troop compartment and cramped exit,
though at a cost of reduced amphibious capabilities. Also, the ZBD-08 is a much newer vehicle,
which uses modern electronics and more modern technologies, such as improved sights and fire
system. So even though the ZBD-08 and BMP-3 carry similar armament and both vehicles have similar
level of protection, Chinese IFV is clearly superior. The ZBD-08 has a welded steel armor
hull. Add-on modular armor can be fitted for a higher level of protection. It is claimed that
front arc withstands 30mm armor-piercing rounds. Sides withstand 14.5mm rounds. Side skirts were
added for improved protection. Also vehicle may be fitted with indigenous active laser protection
system. This IFV retains complete turret of the BMP-3, which is now license built in China. It
has similar firepower and in these terms outperforms most current IFVs. Its 100mm gun
is completed with an autoloader has an effective range of 4km. This gun can fire both ordinary
projectiles and launch anti-tank guided missiles. It is compatible with Chinese anti-tank guided
missiles and poses serious threat to main battle tanks. The coaxial 30mm cannon has an effective
range of 1.5 to 2km. There is also a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. Also the ZBD-08 has improved
sights and fire control system. Vehicle is fully amphibious. However on water it is not as good
as the original BMP-3.
