In response to the evolving battlefield tactics after the Russian invasion Ukraine, China has started equipping its armored vehicles, specifically its 36-tonne Type 15 tanks, with anti-drone ‘cope cages’ to defend against drone attacks.
This adaptation is one of several measures the Chinese military has undertaken after assessing the challenges faced by Russian forces during their ongoing war in Ukraine.
The images, shared by military observer Jesus Roman, revealed that these cope cages were installed on Type 15 tanks during a high-altitude combined arms exercise in the Western Theater Command, at an elevation of approximately 5,300 meters. The metal caging, mounted over the turrets of the tanks, is designed to shield the vehicles from first-person view (FPV) drones.
This exercise marked the first public appearance of the Type 15 tanks fitted with these counter-drone measures. The deployment of such protective gear suggests that China is taking a proactive approach in adapting its military strategies to address the increasing threat posed by drone technology on the battlefield.
During a 🇨🇳PLAGF high-altitude (5300m) combined arms combat exercise, involving some armoured units in the Western Theater Command, their Type 15 tanks could be seen for first time with anti-FPV drones cope cages covering the turrets pic.twitter.com/XIaDNB1X0g
— Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) October 7, 2024
The use of these ‘cope cages’ represents a broader trend in global military tactics, where ad-hoc solutions are becoming more common in efforts to protect armored vehicles against aerial threats. These structures, while initially makeshift in appearance, have evolved into a standard defensive upgrade in many armed forces as drone technology becomes a prevalent weapon in modern warfare.
China’s decision to install these systems on its armored units highlights a critical shift in military tactics and emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapidly changing combat scenarios. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) seems to be drawing significant lessons from the challenges faced by Russian forces in Ukraine, where drone attacks have repeatedly targeted and damaged armored vehicles.
The Type 15 tank, also known as the ZTQ-15, is a lightweight, highly mobile vehicle designed for operations in rugged terrain, including high-altitude regions and dense forests. The addition of anti-drone measures enhances its survivability in scenarios where it could face attacks from FPV drones or similar aerial threats.