Type 89 Self-Propelled Gun

Modern Firepower Meets WW2 Doctrine

Type 89 SPG

The Type 89 SPG is somewhat of an anomaly in the PLA.  Armed with a 120mm gun capable of firing standard NATO ammunition, the Type 89 departs from a long line of soviet caliber PLA weaponry.  The gun design, rumored to have been provided by Austria, has only been seen on one other PRC vehicle, the Type 59 Kai MBT reported to be in service with PLA Marine units.  Despite being mounted on the the same chassis as the Type 83 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer, the Type 89 SPG can trace its origins to the soviet SU-100, which was used by the PLA up until the introduction of the Type 89.  Just as the SU-100 did before it, twelve Type 89's are known to equip each antitank battalion present in category A armor divisions.  Equipped with an internal laser rangefinder and limited optics, the Type 89 is essentially a mobile anti-tank gun and can be expected to be employed in a primarily defensive posture.  The reason for choosing the 120mm gun is unclear; however, the fast loading speed offered by its unitary ammunition may have made it a favorite over soviet-type projectile and powder guns.  The Type 89 has been seen with both the old Type 54 12.7mm AAMG or the newer W-85 12.7mm AAMG.   -Desperado6

120mm Ammunition

On the Production Line

Type 89 SPG Before Parade

Type 89 SPG Prototype

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Type 89 Battery Abreast