New Type 100 AFVs help China leapfrog ahead of other Western concepts
The Type 100 medium tank boasts a 105mm main gun and remote weapon station on its unmanned turret. (Photo: Xinhua)
China’s fourth-generation armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) have pulled ahead of international analogues in their concept of operations, but questions remain about the reliability of their advanced technologies further down the line.
A hitherto unknown family of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) appeared in a massive military parade in Beijing on 3 September. Christened the Type 100, this tracked family currently contains two members: a turreted medium tank and a combat support vehicle.
Implementing a host of lessons learned to Russia’s regret in the Ukraine conflict, these fourth-generation, Norinco-built AFVs are already in People’s Liberation Army (PLA) service.
Such is the PLA’s speed to capability that these vehicles – in concept at least – have stolen a march on Western programmes like the US Army’s XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle. State
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027]()
Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027
The Bolide 2 missile has a larger warhead than the original version as well as an aluminium nose cone, which replaces a copper version and allows for more explosive content and fragments.
-
![SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns]()
SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns
With multiple artillery platforms on display at SAHA 2026, Turkey’s defence contractors are positioning to replace the country’s older imported platforms.
-
![Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour]()
Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour
The HEAT 758 has a tandem warhead consisting of an initial charge which neutralises the explosive reactive armour and the main charge which penetrates the primary armour. It is fired from a standard Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon launcher and has been ordered by an undisclosed customer.
