The PTZ89 (Chinese: PTZ89式坦克歼击车), nicknamed the "Eastern Ferdinand" (东方费迪南) by Chinese military enthusiasts due to its shape and heavy firepower, is arguably the last dedicated gun-based tank destroyer ever produced. It was part of the PLAGF's modernisation program in the late 1980s, aimed at countering the formidable Soviet forces. The 120 mm smoothbore cannon has its roots in Project 122, which stemmed from the PLAGF's need for a high-calibre gun capable of neutralising Soviet tanks in the Far East. Despite earlier attempts facing technological hurdles and the introduction of NATO-standard guns, Chinese engineers eventually developed a new 120 mm cannon as part of the WZ123 (ZTZ99) program. This was tested against a reverse-engineered 2A46M gun from an Object 172M-1 E-4 (T-72U or Type 64 六四型), with the latter being chosen for adoption on the ZTZ99.

To capitalise on their efforts and enhance firepower against anticipated waves of Soviet armour, the 120 mm gun was incorporated into a new mobile platform based on the WZ321 chassis for the PLAGF. This platform, known as the PTZ89, featured an autoloader to maximise firepower during potential defensive operations. Although introduced at a time when it was already considered somewhat obsolete, the PTZ89 remained in service until 2015.

Introduced in Update "New Power", the PTZ89 is a purpose-built tank destroyer armed with a formidable 120 mm smoothbore gun, bearing similarities in layout and concept to the infamous Soviet Object 120. Notably, it entered service in 1989, by which time the era of the main battle tank was well established and gun-armed tank destroyers were largely outmoded. This historical anomaly is reflected in War Thunder, where the PTZ89 faces agile and well-equipped tanks like the Leopard A1A1 while lacking comparable speed or armour protection. Nevertheless, if there's one area where the PTZ89 excels, it's firepower. Its powerful cannon effortlessly penetrates most targets, and the assisted loader enables rapid engagement of multiple targets in quick succession. This vehicle is all about its gun, and a skilled gunner can effectively utilise it for sniping and ambushes.