On the contrary, the protective capability of the composite armor used on the "ZT-99A" had been confirmed.
After returning to the temporary base, the Marine Corps personnel discovered a "ZT-99AL" that had been struck by an armor-piercing bullet fired from an Iraqi tank. Although it was impossible to know whether the armor-piercing bullet came from a T-72M or a T-62, one thing was certain: the composite armor installed on the front of the "ZT-99AL" had almost perfectly blocked the shot, not only preventing penetration but also leaving the rear plate intact.
According to the tank driver, at the time he only felt the tank shake violently, and since it was not seriously damaged, he did not stop to inspect it.
Afterwards, the tank regained its combat capability once several armor plates on the front of the vehicle body were replaced.
But that was not all.
