PLA upgrades ageing tanks with protection system for potential Taiwan operation
ype 96A main battle tanks equipped with the GL-6 active protection system were seen in video footage released by state media on Sunday.
Photo: Weibo/China Youth Daily The People’s Liberation Army has upgraded its ageing tanks for a potential Taiwan operation, equipping them with a system to counter drone attacks and anti-tank missiles, according to state media.
Type 96A main battle tanks with the GL-6 active protection system, or APS, installed were shown in video footage released by official newspaper China Youth Daily on Monday.
The tanks belong to the 71st Group Army unit under the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command, which is mainly responsible for possible amphibious operations across the Taiwan Strait.
The GL-6 is China’s response to the rapid development of anti-tank drones and loitering munitions – weapons used extensively in the war in Ukraine.
It uses 360-degree radars, infrared and optoelectronic sensors to detect incoming threats – including drones, missiles and rockets – and automatically deploys interceptor munitions to neutralise them.
The third-generation tanks are now equipped with a system to counter drone attacks and anti-tank missiles.
Photo: Weibo/China Youth Daily Unveiled in 2024, the system was seen during last year’s Victory Day military parade on China’s latest armoured vehicles, such as fourth-generation Type 100 main battle tanks and support combat vehicles.
New export tanks like the VT-4A1 are also equipped with the APS.
The third-generation Type 96 tanks have been in service for nearly 30 years and have been upgraded to improve their engines, manoeuvrability, firepower and protection.
More than 2,500 are estimated to be active, alongside newer models such as the Type 99s and the latest Type 100 series.
The installation of the GL-6 on the older tanks suggests the PLA could be standardising its drone defences across the armoured fleet.
It could also reflect preparations for a potential ground assault on Taiwan, informed by lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine.
Due to its smaller size and lighter combat weight compared to the Type 99, the Type 96 remains better suited for transport via amphibious landing ships and hovercraft.
That makes it a valuable asset for an assault landing operation, especially during the initial phase traversing difficult coastal terrain.
The smaller and lighter Type 96A tanks are better suited for transport via amphibious landing ships and hovercraft.
Photo: Weibo/China Youth Daily Beijing se
原文链接: 南华早报