New Chinese ZBD-04A armored tracked IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

The ZBD-04A, a new generation of tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) unveiled by the Chinese army during the military parade for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China that was held on October 1, 2019. The ZBD-04A was developed independently by China, which is the improved model of China's second-generation tracked AIFV after the Type 86 AIFV.

ZBD-04A at the military parade for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, October 1, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The ZBD-04A is an improved version of the ZBD-04 which seems very similar to the Russian-made tracked armored IFV BMP-3. The ZBD-04 was designed as the successor to the Type 86 and has been in service with the PLA ground forces since 2006.

According to our first analysis, the ZBD-04A is fitted with a two-man turret mounted at the front of the chassis. The turret is armed with a dual-way stabilized, semi-automatic 100mm rifled gun/missile launcher, capable of firing both HE-FRAG rounds and the 3UBK10 (or its Chinese copy) ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile). The secondary weapon includes one 30mm coaxial automatic cannon, with 500 rounds and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

New features of the ZBD-04A include a new armor package to increase protection against anti-tank guided missiles and RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenades) threats. Add-on is fitted on the side and at the front of the hull. Despite this new armor, the ZBD-04A continues to have amphibious capabilities. In the water, the vehicle is propelled at a maximum speed of 6 km/h thanks of two large water jet ports mounted on each side at the rear of the hull.

The ZBD-04A has a combat weight of 24,000 kg. It can run at a maximum road speed of 75 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 600 m.

Combat equipment of the ZBD-04A includes a digital information system and battle management system. The commander, gunner and driver are equipped with control display devices to perform firing and combat operations. Onboard equipment also includes advanced digital radio and wireless broadband, China's "Beidou" satellite navigation system and inertial navigation system.