PLA upgrades ageing tanks with protection system for potential Taiwan operation

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" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="45388" data-entity-type="organization">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" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="5508" data-entity-type="location">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 DailyUnveiled 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.