Combining modular composite armour and tandem-charge defeating ERA, 125 mm smoothbore gun with ATGM-capability, high mobility, digital systems and optics, the Type 99 represents a shift towards rapid modernization by the PLA.

The Type 99 forms the core of China’s modern maneuver combat capabilities, with over 1,300 tanks built for the past two decades.

[8] The Type 90-II had a 125mm smoothbore cannon with an autoloader, modular composite armor and a centered driver position.

[9] While the Type 90-II series ultimately did not enter PLA service, it saw success as an export tank and was built under license in Pakistan as the Al-Khalid.

[12] This variant had previously been used by PLA troops during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) military exercises in 2014.

[16] The Type 99A mounts an improved 125 mm gun,[17] with a new autoloader capable of firing 10 rounds per minute.

The 125 mm gun of the Type 99 is capable of firing APFSDS-T, HEAT, Frag-HE-T, and gun-launched anti-tank missiles (ATGM).

The Type 99 can fire tandem shaped charged GP125 ATGMs similar to the Russian Invar with a range of up to 5 kilometres.

[19] On Type 99A, an improved variant of DTW-125 features lengthened dart penetrator of 720 millimetres (28 in) long and denser structure material.

The Type 99 has hunter-killer capabilities, operating an ISFCS-212 fire control system with an IR automatic target tracker.

A wide range of sensor data is displayed through a computer system to achieve quicker command response.

[21] The Type 99A MBT is equipped with an improved fire control system (which includes a new 3rd generation thermal imaging sight, ballistic computer and weather measurement sensors) thus improving ballistic trajectory under adverse conditions.

Type 99A is fitted with ST-16[22] millimeter wave radar suite,[22] designed for target identification (IFF), acquisition and track.

The original Type 99 utilizes the onboard active laser defense system for identification friend or foe application, but the function may be compromised under adverse weather condition.

[22] Type 99A's fire control computer can also automatically measure, identify and correct firing errors with muzzle reference system (MRS) mounted at the tip of the gun barrel as well as position sensitive detector (PSD) situated at the base of the barrel underneath the millimeter-wave radar panel, ensuring greater hit probability in sophisticated battlefield environments.

[19] The tank's welded turret is of an angular design with spaced modular armor and composite panels.

[26][5][3] The box-shaped JD-3[21] (also known as ZM87) active laser self-defense weapon (LSDW) is installed on the rotating platform behind the tank commander hatch for all Type 99 variants.

[21] The high-powered laser can engage both ground vehicles and helicopters,[21] disrupting guidance signal or damaging gunner's eyesight.

[28] JD-3 (ZM87) system also integrates laser transmitter, serving for both the line-of-sight (LOS) communication and the identification friend or foe (IFF) purpose.

[22][3][29] The ZTZ-99A can be upgraded with the GL-6 active protection system (APS), which can intercept incoming anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and other high-velocity projectiles with kinetic munitions.

Type 99 features torsion bar suspension system consists of six rubber tired road wheels on each side with power sprocket at the rear.

[9] The larger turret has improved armour and a commander's periscope, and the tank has an integrated propulsion system.