PLAAF airborne brigade receives wheeled armour
A commissioning ceremony for a new wheeled armoured vehicle was held by a combined arms brigade of the airborne troops of the PLAAF on 6 May, according to the Chinese Ministry of National Defence.
The vehicle was developed domestically to enhance the force projection capabilities of PLAAF transport aircraft, which will be able to deploy the vehicle alongside other wheeled armoured platforms operated by the airborne combined arms brigade.
This unit is a relatively new combat force within the PLAAF, having been established after a series of military reforms in 2017. Among its components are infantry, artillery, reconnaissance, communication and armoured forces.
The Chinese Central Military Commission has designated the brigade as an emergency combat force ready for fast manoeuvre and deployment. This has been achieved by a rapid process of armoured mechanisation, based on an ability to airdrop heavy equipment.
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