The VT4A1, known as the MBT3000 during development, is one of the high-end MBTs produced by NORINCO for export customers. The A1 upgrade was first showcased at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow in NORINCO's exhibition hall. Following the development of the Sino-Pakistani MBT2000 (Al-Khalid) in 2001, the PLAGF also began development of its new third-generation MBT. Plans for a completely domestically produced export MBT were suggested because Pakistan held half shares of any sales of the MBT2000.

The original design of the MBT3000 in 2009 envisaged using Ukrainian 6TD-2 engine packs. However, threats from Ukroboronprom to withhold these power packs (due to their concurrent offer of T-84s to Peru, competing with NORINCO's proposal) forced NORINCO to source components entirely from its own subsidiaries. Thanks to the commission of the ZTZ99A in 2010 and a new full-electric gun laying system developed in the 2000s, the new MBT3000 utilised a power pack based on the ZTZ99A. Its prototype was completed by 2012 and a scaled mockup was first displayed at Eurosatory 2012. The prototype then made its debut during an armoured vehicle show day for military attachés in Mainland China, followed by a presentation at the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow, where it was designated as the VT4. The VT4A1 introduced a GL-6 hard-kill active protection system and a micro-drone for enhanced situational awareness. While the VT4 has been exported to Thailand, Pakistan (VT4A, locally produced as Al-Haider), and Nigeria, the VT4A1 is yet to secure export orders.

Introduced in Update "Air Superiority", the VT4A1 represents the pinnacle of current capabilities in Chinese tank designs, serving as NORINCO's most advanced export MBT. For players seeking a more low-profile alternative to the WZ1001 series while retaining excellent protection and mobility, the VT4A1 can be considered a "tailor-fit" design. With ammunition options identical to PLAGF MBTs, and aided by its hard-kill APS, the VT4A1 proves to be a formidable adversary on the battlefield.