D
Land ForcesChina

ZBD-04A

Amphibious infantry fighting vehicleIn serviceFielded 2011Pending verification
Land ForcesCHN
ZBD-04A
Photo: Tyg728 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeAmphibious infantry fighting vehicle
Date of introduction2011
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerNorincoMed[1]
Crew3Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length7.52 m25 ftMed[1]
Width3.4 m11 ftMed[1]
Height2.53 m8 ftMed[1]
Automotive performance
Engine404 kW (541 bhp) six-cylinderMed[1]
Engine power590 hpMed[1]
Cruising range600 km373 mi · 324 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed75 km/h47 mph · 40 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed50 km/h31 mph · 27 ktMed[1]
Swim speed6 km/h4 mph · 3 ktMed[1]
Fording depth1.4 mMed[1]
SuspensionTraditional torsion bar configuration, with each side having six dual rubber-tired road wheels and a driver sprocket at the front, idler at the rear, and track return rollers. Only the upper part of the suspension is covered.Med[1]
Protection
Armor MaterialWelded steel and modular armor panelsMed[1]
Hull Armor (Front)The hull is built from welded steel and modular armor panels, believed to be composite based on the weight of the vehicle are added to the sides and front. The front of the hull is believed to provide protection against 30 mm projectiles fiMed[1]
Hull Armor (Side)Modular armor, assessed to be composite.Med[1]
Hull Armor (Rear and Roof)The rear and roof are thought to provide protection from only 7.62 mm AP projectiles and artillery fragments.Med[1]
Under the Hull ArmorThe bottom of the hull is reinforced in comparison with the ZBD-04, and it is believed to provide protection from small anti-tank mines. Protection from 7.62mm AP projectiles and artillery fragments. The ZBD-04A withstands mine blasts equivMed[1]
Applique ArmorYes, added to the front and sides of the hullMed[1]
Explosive reactive armorYesMed[1]
Active Protection SystemYes, features a multi-spectral IR countermeasures package mounted on top of the turret. Technical capability details unknown.Med[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Smoke EquipmentYes, includes a bank of three electrically operated grenade launchers is mounted either side of the turret.Med[1]
Armament
Rate of fire (max)8-10 rds/minMed[1]
Maximum elevation+60 degMed[1]
Minimum elevation-6 degMed[1]
Main armament100 mm 2A70 rifled gun/missile launcher,Med[1]
Secondary armament30 mm 2A72 (Shipunov 2A42); PK 7.62mm Machine Gun (Pulemyot Kalashnikova)Med[1]
Maximum firing range7 km4 mi · 4 nmiLongest-range ammunition listedMed[1]
Fire control
Fire control systemAdvanced FCS, Name: INA; Enabling the FCS is an optical mast mounted in between the missile pods that can be extended above the vehicle to observe the effect on target as well as identify targets. The optical suite is equipped with a camera and LRF, as well as an IMed[1]
Computerized FCSYes, integrated ballistic computer enabling aiming and firing on-the-move.Med[1]
Thermal (Vehicle Commander)Yes, panoramic sightMed[1]
Thermal (Gunner)Yes, panoramic sightMed[1]
Main Gun StabilizationYesMed[1]
Variants
ZBD-04A AT (AFT-10 Anti-Tank Missile CarZBD-04A's chassis works as the mobile launching platform for AFT-10 (HJ-10) anti-tank missile. Noted the AFT-10 is a specific version of HJ-10 missile that designed for firing from vehicle launching platform such as ZBD-[1]
ZBD-04A Command VehicleModified from original ZBD-04A, featuring a crew cabin with higher ceiling.[1]
ZBD-04A Combat Reconnaissance VehicleEquipped with radars and electric-optic sights for battlefield surveillance, the chassis of the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle is modified from standard ZBD-04A. The recon equipment is mounted on a retractable mast.[1]
ZBD-04A Armored Recovery VehicleEquipped with a crane for emergency vehicle service.[1]
VN12Export variant based on ZBD-04A.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
100 mm Projectileammunition
Med[1]
Range
7 km4 mi · 4 nmi
Quantity
41 (Inclusive of guided missiles)
100 mm Projectileammunition
Med[1]
Range
4 km2 mi · 2 nmi
Quantity
41 (Inclusive of guided missiles)
Auto-cannon30x165 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
INA
Muzzle velocity
960 m/s
Armor penetration
Yes
Summary

TheZBD-04A Chinese Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is a modern tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) developed by NORINCO for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as an improved variant of the earlier ZBD-04 amphibious IFV.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. ZBD-04A Chinese Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-07-13 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-04 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
  • 2026-10-05 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)