After Western command videos earlier in Jan, PLA’s central command videos released now show UGV (unmanned ground veh) deployed to create smoke screens for soldiers as they walk. An unidentified Heavy Combined Arms Brigade of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) recently conducted a fortified area assault exercise under the 81st Group Army, part of the Central Theater Command.
The drill highlighted the PLA’s evolving combat strategies, incorporating advanced technology such as anti-drone “cope cages” on main battle tanks. China’s move to equip its armored vehicles with anti-drone cages reflects the shifting dynamics of modern warfare. Insights from conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have brought to fore the crucial role of drones in reconnaissance and offensive actions.
The exercise featured a coordinated offensive involving Type 99A tanks, Type 04A infantry fighting vehicles, dismounted troops, and specialized tracked engineering vehicles tasked with clearing minefields and other obstacles. The Type 99 or ZTZ-99 is a Chinese third generation main battle tank (MBT). The Type 99 MBT was China’s first mass-produced third-generation main battle tank. The ZBD-04 or Type 04 (industrial designation WZ502) is a Chinese infantry fighting vehicle. It bears some external resemblance to the Russian BMP-3, particularly with regards to its turret and main armament.
Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) were employed to deploy offensive smoke screens, showcasing the integration of unmanned systems into conventional military operations. Similar ones are being used in Russia-Ukraine war zone, as shown in the video.
The PLA’s anti-drone enhancements, particularly on its Type 99A and Type 15 tanks, aim to mitigate vulnerabilities to aerial threats. These “cope cages” are designed to protect against loitering munitions and small drones, which have increasingly targeted armored vehicles in recent conflicts.
The drill underscored the importance of coordination among various military branches. Engineering vehicles cleared routes for the armored units, while UAVs enhanced situational awareness and obscured enemy positions with smoke. This integration highlights the PLA’s focus on multi-domain operations to address emerging battlefield challenges.
By combining traditional armored warfare capabilities with advanced anti-drone defenses and UAV support, the PLA aims to enhance its preparedness for modern combat scenarios. The adoption of these tactics emphasizes China’s commitment to adapting its military doctrine to counter new technologies and asymmetric warfare strategies.