Recent pictures making the rounds on social media indicate that China is working on a fourth-generation tank. According to reports, this anonymous tank has cutting-edge features, including autonomous turrets, active protection systems (APS), and drones placed on vehicles.
The photos show multiple tanks that appear to be able to move independently. They are also dressed in camouflage netting and positioned in an urban area, maybe on their way to a test facility similar to Baotou. According to reports from publications like The South China Morning Post (SCMP), these tanks are equipped with cutting-edge defense mechanisms meant to ward off drone strikes. Compared to conventional main battle tanks, these tanks seem lighter.
Analysts believe that the tanks that have been sighted could be different models of the new design, possibly with different main guns on one (a 105mm on one and a larger 125mm on the other). Notably, these tanks are said to have 360-degree coverage for detecting and neutralizing incoming missiles. They also have an electric auxiliary power unit (APU) for silent operation.
The tanks may also include sophisticated technology such as phase-controlled array millimeter-wave radar, Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) sensors, lighter armor, an autopilot system, and an AI-automated target determination system. This would place them ahead of most current tanks, generally third-generation models. As warfare evolves, many nations are moving towards fourth-generation tanks to counter increased threats from drones and missiles. For instance, Russia’s T-14 Armata, unveiled in 2015, features an APS and an unmanned turret.
Defence expert Bai Mengchen said on CCTV’s military channel in January, which SCMP cited. She said, “Active defense technology is an essential feature of next-generation main battle tanks.” This implies that the tank might potentially be equipped with anti-aircraft weapons to strengthen its defenses against drones and low-speed missiles.
According to a blogger named lyman2003, the tank may have X-band radars and an active EW system. “The new tank’s offensive potential is greatly increased by its multi-platform autonomous cooperation capabilities. According to lyman2003’s Weibo post, “The tank could enable coordinated strikes with unmanned drones and vehicles over beyond-visual-range air-to-ground engagements.”
The tank can move more quickly because of its six-pair track system, and it might even have laser radar for autonomous driving. Its unpainted exterior is yellow on the bottom half and grey on the top portion.
At the International Top-Level Forum on Engineering Science and Technology Development Strategy-Space Aviation Marine, it was said that “the overall protective performance of the tank is enhanced through active disruption and interception technologies, improving battlefield survivability by 2.7 times.”
With the use of information technology, China’s fourth-generation tanks appear to be shifting from traditional armor-piercing warfare to a system-oriented warfare paradigm that incorporates active interference, interception, and multifaceted defences.
Though there isn’t much information, if testing is where these tanks are going, it could mean production is about to start. This would complement the recently introduced Type 19 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and provide the People’s Liberation Army with a substantial technological edge.
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