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 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.
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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.
Unveiled 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.
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