China’s airborne force receives next-gen infantry fighting vehicles
A screengrab from the CCTV report showing new armoured vehicles of the PLAAF Airborne Corps. The one on the left boasts a 100mm main gun. (Image: CCTV)
Some amendments address weaknesses proven in the Ukraine conflict.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is operating a new type of air-droppable infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), as shown in a CCTV news report that aired on 5 November.
The new vehicles are manufactured by Norinco and replace the ZBD-03 that has served the PLAAF for the past 20 years. The new vehicles have been identified as belonging to the 134th Combined Brigade of the Airborne Corps.
With newly designed hulls and five road wheels per side, the new IFVs appear better armoured than the ZBD-03. They have applique armour and side skirts, but they are still light
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![EuroTrophy systems contracted for Leopard 2A8 tank buyers as demand rises]()
EuroTrophy systems contracted for Leopard 2A8 tank buyers as demand rises
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the original designer and manufacturer of the system, states that more than 1,800 have been sold and, while not all customers are known, more than 1,000 of these have been bought by the US and Israel.
-
![Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show]()
Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show
The first prototype M1E3 main battle tank was handed over to the US Army for testing and evaluation earlier this year, and now a pre-prototype has been unveiled. What have we learned from the vehicle first seen on 14 January?
-
![Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh]()
Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh
The delivery of the Stryker infantry fighting vehicles will form one piece of the country’s effort to re-equip its forces, which includes F-16 fighter jets and new air defence systems.
