Breaking News
China Adapts Modern Conflict Lessons to Strengthen Anti-Drone and Fortified Zone Tactics.
A military exercise conducted by a heavy combined arms brigade of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF), broadcast on national television on January 12, 2025, has highlighted the evolution of China’s combat strategies. The exercise, organized under the 81st Group Army of the Central Theater Command, demonstrated how the PLA integrates equipment such as anti-drone systems and fortified zone assault techniques to adapt to the changing nature of modern conflicts.
Type 99A tanks, Type 04A infantry fighting vehicles, dismounted infantry, and specialized engineering vehicles were deployed in a simulated attack on a fortified zone (Picture source: CCTV)
One of the standout elements of this maneuver was the use of “cope cages” — specialized structures added to Type 99A and Type 15 tanks to counter threats from drones. These features reflect a clear understanding of lessons learned from recent global conflicts, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which underscored the critical role of drones in reconnaissance and offensive operations. Such measures are not unique to China, as similar initiatives have been observed in other major military powers, including the United States and Russia.
The exercise also showcased effective coordination between various military branches. Type 99A tanks, Type 04A infantry fighting vehicles, dismounted infantry, and specialized engineering vehicles were deployed in a simulated attack on a fortified zone. Engineering vehicles were tasked with clearing mines and removing obstacles, while drones laid offensive smoke screens. This integration of unmanned systems into conventional military tactics reflects a broader shift that could transform military operations worldwide.
China’s advancements in drone technology extend far beyond their tactical use on the battlefield. The PLA has adopted first-person view (FPV) drones, inspired by global trends, capable of conducting reconnaissance and strike missions. These drones provide operators with immersive situational awareness and increased precision, enabling targeted strikes in complex operational environments. Chinese scientists have also developed an automatic rifle specifically designed for drone mounting. Chambered for 7.62 mm rounds similar to the AK-47, this weapon is engineered to reduce recoil, ensuring stability during aerial operations. This innovation highlights a broader strategy to develop multifunctional drones capable of fulfilling a wide range of roles in combat.
Additionally, China has made significant progress in swarm drone technology. These multifunctional drones can separate mid-flight to adapt to complex combat scenarios, inspired by mechanisms in nature, such as the dispersal of maple seeds. This capability could overwhelm enemy defenses by combining agility and versatility. Other nations, including Israel and the United States, are also developing similar technologies, underscoring the growing importance of swarms in modern conflicts.
In response to the rising threat of drones, China has strengthened its anti-drone measures. Advanced artillery systems, developed based on lessons from the Ukraine conflict, are designed to counter commercially available drones often used for surveillance or targeted strikes. These developments aim to maintain China’s strategic edge by neutralizing aerial threats and enhancing the PLA’s ability to operate in environments increasingly dominated by unmanned systems.
These efforts reflect a significant shift in China’s military doctrine. By combining traditional armored capabilities with advanced technologies and unmanned systems, the PLA is preparing for modern warfare scenarios. The modernization of its arsenal, which includes armed drones and adaptive swarms, demonstrates China’s focus on innovation to maintain its strategic positioning.
This strategy, however, appears to align with a potential confrontation with Taiwan. The PLA’s technological and tactical advancements signal its growing capability to conduct complex amphibious operations and neutralize advanced defense systems. This gradual preparation, coupled with an increasingly assertive military posture, reveals China’s strategic ambitions in the Taiwan Strait region, raising the possibility of escalating tensions in the near future.