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China Adapts to New Battlefield Threats by Equipping Type 15 Tanks with Anti-Drone Cages.
On October 6, 2024, during a combined high-altitude combat exercise, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) unveiled upgraded Type 15 tanks equipped with anti-drone cages for the first time. Conducted within the PLA's Western Theater Command, this exercise took place at approximately 5,300 meters altitude. It demonstrated the army's efforts to counter the rising threat of drones, particularly first-person view (FPV) drones used in offensive operations.
The addition of anti-drone cages, or “cope cages,” represents China’s adaptation to the increasing prevalence of aerial threats targeting armored vehicles (Picture source: CCTV)
The Type 15, also known as the VT5 or ZTQ-15, is a lightweight tank developed by China’s defense corporation NORINCO and was first introduced to the public at the Zhuhai AirShow in 2016. Weighing between 33 and 36 tons depending on armor configuration, the Type 15 is optimized for high mobility, enabling deployment in mountainous or rugged terrains inaccessible to heavier main battle tanks such as the 50-ton ZTZ99. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, the Type 15 reaches a top speed of 70 km/h on roads and has an operational range of 450 km. Its armament includes a 105mm cannon with an automatic loader, capable of firing armor-piercing rounds and anti-tank missiles with a range of up to 5,000 meters. Additionally, it is fitted with a remote weapon station featuring a 12.7mm machine gun and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, with a total capacity of 38 rounds.
Constructed with welded steel armor, the Type 15 offers protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. For enhanced resilience, it can be fitted with composite and explosive reactive armor (ERA). During its initial presentation at AirShow China, the VT5 model showcased additional slat armor on the turret sides and hull, providing defense against rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles. Standard features also include CBRN protection, a computerized firing system, and satellite communications for improved battlefield awareness.
The addition of anti-drone cages, or “cope cages,” represents China’s adaptation to the increasing prevalence of aerial threats targeting armored vehicles. These installations, publicly shared by military observer Jesús Roman, indicate a direct response to the realities of modern warfare, where drones are frequently used to engage armored units. The PLA appears to draw on experiences from Russia’s use of drones in the Ukraine conflict, where drones have inflicted significant damage on armored vehicles. This approach aligns with a global trend of enhancing armored vehicle defenses against airborne threats as drone technology becomes a common battlefield asset.
The anti-drone cages, initially perceived as improvised defenses, have become standard protective measures across military forces worldwide, offering a significant advantage by deflecting drone strikes and mitigating potential damage from FPV drone attacks. For China, incorporating these defenses on the Type 15 signals a strategic shift in addressing emerging threats. The tank’s design—lightweight and mobile, suitable for high altitudes and dense forests—makes it particularly effective in diverse terrains, bolstering the Chinese army’s resilience against aerial attacks.
Meanwhile, India faces growing challenges in defending its positions along the China-Pakistan border, especially in the elevated regions of Kashmir. Tensions with China in these mountainous areas prompt New Delhi to reassess its strategies and bolster its military capabilities against an increasingly assertive Chinese force. This need for strategic modernization is mirrored by other nations, such as Japan, where China’s advancing military capabilities necessitate strengthened deterrence measures.