The combat capabilities of the ground forces of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China appeared to have got an upgrade, from traditional close-quarter battles to beyond visual range with the introduction of the new-generation main battle tanks.
China's V-Day military parade in September saw the Type 100 (ZTZ-100) tank being unveiled for the first time, and military experts are calling this tank, arguably a system of systems, an “era-defining change.”
According to recent Chinese media reports, the commissioning of these highly mobile tanks that incorporate artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and networked battleground capabilities will transform how armed forces engage in combat.
Representing a major leap in both technology and operational doctrine of the PLA, these tanks, equipped with optical, infrared, and radar sensors, AI and augmented reality systems, and hybrid diesel-electric propulsion for high mobility, will make ground forces capable of carrying out long-range strikes.
It has been pointed out that these tanks have “high intelligence and strong teamwork,” enabling them to move fast, break through defences and take strategic positions.
“With the commissioning of the new-generation main battle tanks, armoured operations have evolved from close-quarters brawls to beyond-visual-range engagements,” PLA Daily quoted tank commander Sun Yongming as saying.
Chinese military affairs expert Wang Yunfei told The Global Times that the tanks will enable forces to perceive the battlefield from different directions and at long range, transforming armoured warfare from close-proximity combat to beyond visual. Besides, the hybrid diesel-electric powertrain helps it to achieve speeds of up to 80 km/h on roads.
“Networked” with support drones, rocket artillery, electronic warfare units, and Army aviation assets, the tanks are more of a system of systems, according to reports.