An unidentified Heavy Combined Arms Brigade of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) conducted a fortified area assault drill under the 81st Group Army, part of the Central Theater Command.
The exercise showcased the PLA’s evolving battlefield strategies, integrating advanced equipment such as anti-drone “cope cages” on main battle tanks.
The drill featured a coordinated assault with Type 99A tanks, Type 04A infantry fighting vehicles, dismounted infantry, and specialized tracked engineering vehicles tasked with clearing minefields and obstacles. UAVs were deployed to lay offensive smoke curtains, further demonstrating the integration of unmanned systems into traditional military tactics.
China’s decision to equip its armored vehicles with anti-drone cages reflects the changing nature of modern warfare. Lessons learned from conflicts such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have highlighted the critical role of drones in both reconnaissance and offensive operations.
1/2 A unidentified 🇨🇳PLAGF Heavy Combined Arms Brigade belonging to the 81st Group Army (Central Theater Command) during a fortified area assault drill with their Type 99A tanks (equipped with anti-drones cages) supported by Type 04A IFV & dismounted infantry with… pic.twitter.com/gcDx0J1Ljy
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The PLA’s anti-drone modifications, particularly on its Type 99A and Type 15 tanks, aim to reduce vulnerabilities to aerial threats. These “cope cages” are designed to defend against loitering munitions and small drones, which have been increasingly used to target armored vehicles in recent conflicts.
The recent drill emphasized coordination among multiple military branches. Specialist engineering vehicles cleared pathways for the armored units, while UAVs provided situational awareness and obscured enemy positions with smoke. This integration underscores the PLA’s focus on multi-domain operations to address evolving threats on the battlefield.
By combining traditional armored capabilities with advanced anti-drone measures and UAV support, the PLA aims to ensure its readiness for modern warfare scenarios. The deployment of such tactics highlights China’s emphasis on adapting its military doctrine to counter emerging technologies and asymmetric warfare.