Chinese Army Upgrades Artillery Howitzers with Anti-Drone Measures Inspired by Ukrainian War Experience.

Recent social media pictures have unveiled that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is proactively upgrading its artillery units with anti-drone protections. During a live-fire exercise conducted by the 76th Artillery Brigade of the 76th Group Army, Western Theater Command, in the expansive Northwest Gobi Desert, several PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzers were observed equipped with various anti-drone and First-Person View (FPV) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) countermeasures.
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Chinese PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzer equipped with wire cage armor, designed to enhance protection against drone attacks, inspired by modern battlefield tactics.(Picture source: Chinese army TV)

The photographs reveal that these artillery pieces have been fitted with additional protective structures and technologies designed to mitigate threats from small drones and FPV UAVs. These enhancements appear to be a direct response to evolving combat tactics witnessed in recent global conflicts, particularly the extensive use of drones in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The PLA's (People's Liberation Army - Chinese army) modifications underscore a growing recognition of the need for enhanced defensive measures against aerial threats posed by agile and often commercially available drones capable of conducting surveillance or delivering precision strikes. The conflict in Ukraine has prominently highlighted how such unmanned systems can significantly influence ground operations, prompting militaries worldwide to reassess and bolster their defensive capabilities.

Military analysts note that the integration of anti-drone protections on the PLZ-05 howitzers signifies China's commitment to adapting its military assets to counter emerging threats effectively. "The utilization of drones in modern warfare has transformed the battlefield dynamics," said Li Wei, a Beijing-based defense analyst. "China is keen on learning from these conflicts to ensure its forces are well-prepared against similar challenges."

Chinese Army PLZ-05 155mm self-propelled howitzers equipped with anti-drone wire cage armor for enhanced battlefield protection. (Picture source: Chinese army TV)

The PLZ-05 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer, a crucial component of the PLA's artillery units known for its firepower and mobility. The newly added anti-drone features may include physical barriers like mesh screens to protect against loitering munitions, electronic jamming systems to disrupt drone controls, and radar systems capable of detecting and tracking low-altitude aerial threats.

These enhancements aim to provide a layered defense mechanism, ensuring that artillery units can operate with reduced risk from aerial surveillance and attacks by enemy drones. The live-fire exercises in the Gobi Desert offered an ideal environment to test these systems under realistic combat conditions, enabling the PLA to evaluate the effectiveness of their upgrades and make necessary adjustments.

China's focus on augmenting its military hardware with anti-drone technologies aligns with a broader global military trend emphasizing the importance of counter-UAV systems. As drones become increasingly accessible and technologically advanced, the necessity for robust defense against them has escalated.

"The PLA's advancements in anti-drone defenses reflect a strategic shift towards preparing for a future where unmanned systems are prevalent on the battlefield," commented Zhang Tao, a military technology expert. "By enhancing their artillery units with such protections, they are not only safeguarding their assets but also maintaining a tactical advantage."

While there has been no official statement from the PLA regarding these specific modifications, the visual evidence from the exercises indicates a clear intent to modernize and adapt to contemporary warfare demands. This proactive approach is consistent with China's ongoing military modernization efforts, aiming to transform the PLA into a world-class fighting force capable of countering various threats.

The developments observed in the PLA's artillery units are a testament to the global impact of military modernization initiatives undertaken by numerous nations in response to the changing nature of warfare. The integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, cyber warfare capabilities, and unmanned systems, is reshaping defense strategies globally.

As nations observe and learn from conflicts like the one in Ukraine, adaptations such as enhanced anti-drone protections become imperative. These measures not only improve defensive capabilities but also contribute to deterrence by complicating potential adversaries' operational planning.

China's advancements remind us of the accelerating pace of military innovation and the continuous evolution of combat strategies. The PLA's efforts to protect its forces from emerging threats underscore the importance of agility and adaptability in modern military doctrine.

The sighting of anti-drone enhancements on the PLA's PLZ-05 howitzers during the live-fire exercises in the Gobi Desert marks a significant step in China's military preparedness. As drones and other unmanned systems continue to influence the dynamics of warfare, incorporating countermeasures becomes crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness and force protection.