When China had a falling out with the Soviet Union, the U.S. determined to construct a relationship with it to assist counter the Russians. As a part of this relationship-building, America supplied to develop a important battle tank based mostly on the Chinese Type 59 tank, which is a licensed-built T-54A, in 1988.

This important battle tank was speculated to be known as the Jaguar and was an enchancment of the Type 59. The U.S. tapped Cadillac Gage to work with the China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation to modernize the Type 59 and switch it into the Jaguar MBT.

It was speculated to get the British L7 105mm cannon, a digital hearth management system, a night-vision system, and a laser rangefinder. It was additionally set to obtain a extra highly effective 750hp engine, an automated transmission system, and spaced armor on high of the Type 59’s base safety.

However, the Tiananmen Square Massacre the next 12 months poisoned Chinese-American cooperation, stopping its joint improvement. Although Cadillac Gage continued improvement by itself, the autumn of the Berlin Wall in late 1989 meant struggle was over, and nobody was within the Jaguar.