To control the weight, and more importantly to reduce costs, prior to the D model, the BZ-68 only had frontal armor capable of withstanding 13mm bullets. The side protection could only withstand 8mm bullets, and the rear hull couldn't even stop 8mm bullets, making it rather vulnerable.
After significant modifications, starting with the D model, the combat weight was increased to 16.5 tons, and the defensive capabilities were slightly improved. However, the side could only resist 13mm bullets, and the front could only deal with 20mm shells fired from 500 meters with additional armor plating.
In reality, this level of protection is not outstanding.
Even the latest improved model, the BZ-68H, cannot withstand the RPG-7 rocket from Western Luosha and can even be penetrated by a 40mm high-explosive anti-tank grenade.
However, its low cost overshadows all its shortcomings.
