China’s VU-T10 Robotic Tank: A New Era of AI Warfare Begins

China has taken a bold step into the future of military technology with the public unveiling of China’s VU-T10 Robotic Tank, an advanced unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) developed by the state-owned defense giant China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). In a recent promotional video, NORINCO showcased the VU-T10 during live trials, highlighting its mobility, firepower, and battlefield potential.

This 11-ton robotic tank is not just another military prototype it represents China’s broader strategic push to modernize its armed forces through the integration of robotics and AI-driven platforms. With rising global interest in autonomous defense systems, the VU-T10 could position China as a frontrunner in next-generation ground combat solutions.

NORINCO Showcases Advanced VU-T10 UGV Capabilities

NORINCO’s newly released footage highlights the VU-T10’s battlefield mobility and combat performance. The video depicts the UGV traversing uneven terrain with ease while engaging mock targets using a remote-controlled weapons turret. This demonstrates the vehicle’s tactical versatility across different terrain profiles.

The VU-T10 features a 30mm automatic cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, providing both anti-personnel and light anti-armor capabilities. The system also uses electrically operated smoke grenade launchers, which enhance its survivability in hostile environments by obscuring enemy sightlines.

Firepower Meets Autonomy: Combat-Ready Features

What sets the VU-T10 apart from earlier Chinese UGV prototypes is its comprehensive combat loadout. Its 30mm cannon provides the core firepower, enabling it to destroy soft targets, light armored vehicles, and structural threats. As low-flying drones become more common in warfare, this caliber of firepower effectively engages aerial targets at close range.

Additionally, the VU-T10 has the option to be equipped with the Red Arrow 12 anti-tank guided missile, mounted in a separate pod. This significantly extends its strike capability and allows it to threaten main battle tanks and fortified positions from a safe distance all without putting human operators in harm’s way.

 Versatility on the Battlefield

NORINCO has designed the VU-T10 to function similarly to an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). It’s not just a mobile weapons platform; it also offers limited troop transport capacity. This makes the VU-T10 a multi-role asset, capable of delivering fire support while coordinating with dismounted troops.

Its electric-powered drive system gives the VU-T10 a maximum road speed of 60 km/h, making it well-suited for high-mobility operations across diverse battlefield environments. The shift toward electric propulsion not only reduces its acoustic and thermal signature but also aligns with China’s broader push toward sustainable and efficient military platforms.

Shaping the Future of Warfare

The development of the VU-T10 reflects China’s growing emphasis on robotic autonomy in warfare. With the increasing risks of urban combat and contested zones, deploying unmanned ground vehicles could significantly reduce casualties while enhancing situational awareness and precision strikes.

This platform fits into a wider trend within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which has been steadily integrating AI, unmanned systems, and advanced sensors into its ground, naval, and air forces. The VU-T10 is just one example of this modernization drive.

Moreover, NORINCO’s promotional material also serves a dual purpose, demonstrating military prowess to potential buyers and signaling strategic deterrence. As China competes with the US, Russia, and other powers in the global arms race, unveiling such systems sends a clear message about its technological sophistication and future battlefield readiness.

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 The Global Race for Robotic Warfare

The unveiling of China’s VU-T10 Robotic Tank comes as other countries are also investing in robotic combat vehicles. The US Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program and Russia’s Uran-9 UGV represent similar initiatives to modernize ground forces through unmanned technologies.

However, NORINCO’s VU-T10 appears to emphasize real-world deployment readiness with a well-rounded package of firepower, mobility, and modular systems. It could soon be offered for export to allied or partner nations, further expanding China’s influence in the global arms market.

A Glimpse into the Future Battlefield

The debut of the VU-T10 unmanned ground vehicle marks a transformational milestone in China’s military modernization efforts. By combining heavy firepower, autonomous control, and tactical mobility, NORINCO has introduced a platform that could redefine the dynamics of ground warfare.

As armed forces around the world watch closely, the VU-T10 stands as a symbol of China’s ambitions to lead in the realm of next-generation defense technologies. Whether on future battlefields or in global arms exhibitions, the VU-T10 is set to make a lasting impact.

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