The ZTZ59A (Chinese: [ZTZ]59A式中型坦克 or 59-I式中型坦克; industry code WZ120A) was the first significant upgrade of the Type 59 tank in PLAGF service. This revision was developed based on feedback from the armoured corps during the Sino-Vietnamese War, aiming to improve the existing fleet with an updated FCS and suspension system ahead of the later 59-II (59B) variant, which would feature a 105 mm gun. The upgrades included an IR searchlight, a laser rangefinder, and an enhanced FCS with automatic ballistic solutions for faster target acquisition. Additional features such as side skirts, turret-mounted smoke grenade launchers, and new APFSDS rounds were also introduced. The upgraded tank was certified in 1984, serving as an interim solution during the PLA's modernisation process.

Introduced in Update "Ground Breaking", the ZTZ59A is based on the long-established Type 59 platform, incorporating some technologies from the Type 69. While the Type 59 chassis is somewhat outdated compared to later MBTs or indeed many of its contemporaries, the ZTZ59A has enhancements that extend its operational relevance. The addition of a laser rangefinder enables it to engage targets from a safer distance, while dual smoke grenade launchers improve its survivability. Together, these upgrades offer a clear advantage over the tech tree Type 59.