China’s New ZTL-19 Armored Vehicle with 105mm Gun Enhances Army Firepower and Mobility.

In late May 2025, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China officially began receiving its latest generation of 8x8 wheeled assault vehicles, as part of its ongoing land forces modernization program. Identified as the ZTL-19, these vehicles are based on a significantly reworked version of the Type 19 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), itself an evolution informed by previous designs, particularly the ZTL-11 derived from the Type 08 platform. Deployment has been confirmed by images shared on social media, notably by the account @Jesusfroman. Military trains transporting these vehicles to operational bases indicate a structured and phased fielding process.
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The main armament consists of a high-pressure, low-recoil 105 mm rifled gun, developed using advanced materials to withstand greater pressure, improve firing accuracy, and increase reliability (Picture source: X Account @JesusFroman)

The ZTL-19 introduces clear advancements in mobility, firepower, and protection. Its chassis incorporates a new powerpack that combines a more powerful engine with an automatic transmission, optimized for maintenance and equipped with an improved suspension system. One notable feature is the addition of twin ducted water-jet propulsors at the rear, enabling amphibious speeds of 8 to 10 kilometers per hour, thus increasing its operational range in riverine and coastal environments.

The main armament consists of a high-pressure, low-recoil 105 mm rifled gun, developed using advanced materials to withstand greater pressure, improve firing accuracy, and increase reliability. The absence of a muzzle brake reduces firing signature and minimizes recoil impact within the crew compartment, enhancing crew safety. This gun is compatible with a broad range of ammunition types, including fin-stabilized armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shells, high-explosive fragmentation rounds, bunker-busting munitions, and gun-launched guided missiles. The latest APDS rounds are reportedly capable of penetrating up to 600 mm of rolled homogeneous armor at a distance of 2 kilometers. Laser-guided munitions allow for precision strikes on land, maritime, or low-speed aerial targets at ranges of up to 5 kilometers.

The turret is equipped with an autoloader and panoramic sighting systems, enabling a hunter-killer capability that allows simultaneous acquisition and engagement of multiple targets. This setup enhances both system responsiveness and situational awareness in combat scenarios.

Regarding protection, the armor system combines high-strength steel with modular composite elements. With a combat weight around 25 tonnes, the ZTL-19 provides 360-degree protection against 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds, frontal protection against 14.5 mm threats, and limited resistance to 25 mm and 30 mm kinetic projectiles. The vehicle’s hull has also been reinforced to improve survivability against mines and improvised explosive devices.

The integration of the ZTL-19 into the PLA's land forces reflects an ongoing doctrinal shift toward wheeled platforms that balance strategic mobility, firepower, and protection. Since the 1970s, wheeled combat vehicles have gained traction due to their ability to operate over long distances with reduced logistical burden. The ZTL-19, with its amphibious capabilities, updated weapon systems, and modular design, represents a key component in China’s broader force restructuring efforts.

The ZTL-19 reflects current PLA priorities in land warfare, focused on operational efficiency, terrain adaptability, and deployment flexibility. This new wheeled armored vehicle fits within the evolving requirements of Chinese ground forces, designed to operate effectively across a range of tactical scenarios with enhanced firepower, optimized architecture, and expanded mobility.