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Tag: pla

34 articles

PLA personnel holds cage with homing pigeons against plain backdrop.

China's PLA Adopts Antiquated Homing Pigeons for Battlefield Communications

In a surprising move, China's PLA Logistics Support Force has turned to an unlikely communication solution: homing pigeons, proudly showcased on state television as a key part of their battlefield communications toolkit. These birds are being used to deliver messages, bringing a touch of nostalgia to modern warfare.

Analyst 207
Nanyun-class troop transport underway in calm South China Sea waters.

Nanyun-Class Troop Transports Bolster China's South China Sea Presence

China's naval capabilities in the South China Sea just got a significant boost with the introduction of the Nanyun-class troop transports, designed to efficiently transport hundreds of troops and tons of cargo. These six versatile vessels, built in the 1980s, can carry around 400 troops or 350 tons of cargo, and offload via two small landing craft.

Analyst 207
Somber courtroom interior with formal podium and Chinese government emblem hinted at.

China Sentences Ex-Defense Ministers to Death With Reprieve

China has taken a drastic step in its anti-corruption campaign, sentencing two former defense ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting and exchanging bribes. This severe punishment marks a significant escalation in the country's efforts to crack down on corruption within the People's Liberation Army.

Analyst 207
Stealthy flying-wing drone on apron at test complex with another in background.

China's Stealth Flying Wings Spotted at Secret Test Base

China has been spotted testing massive stealth flying wings at a secret base, with satellite images revealing two enormous aircraft, dubbed "The Monster of Malan", sitting side by side on the apron. Each flying wing boasts an impressive span of approximately 173 feet, rivalling the size of a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

Analyst 207
Soviet T-72 tank centered in a neutral-colored military storage or testing facility.

China Acquires Soviet T-72 Tanks Through Romania

In a surprising move, China acquired Soviet T-72 tanks through Romania, with several of the 31 imported tanks quietly transferred to China for evaluation in the late 1970s. This acquisition was part of a long-running effort to understand and match Soviet tank design, sparked by the 1969 Zhenbao clash where Soviet T-62 tanks demonstrated clear technological superiority over Chinese armor.

Analyst 207
Chinese military vehicle production facility at night with modern vehicles on assembly line and cityscape in background.

China Absorbs Foreign Tech in Military Vehicle Development

In the 1970s, China's People's Liberation Army made a game-changing move by importing thousands of Berliet GBC 8 KT 6×6 trucks from France, which became the backbone of their artillery transport and left a lasting impact on vehicle design and industrial learning. This strategic adoption of foreign tech not only proved durable and adaptable but also earned a special place in the PLA's operations.

Analyst 207
Soldiers in ancient armor form a dense phalanx with modern assault rifles in a rugged terrain.

PLA Adopts Ancient Phalanx Formation for Modern Warfare

The PLA has made a striking move by reviving the ancient phalanx formation, trading in flexible tactics for a wall of shields and long pikes in a bold display of modernized might. This unexpected shift has left observers wondering what's behind the Chinese military's return to a battle-tested strategy from centuries past.

Analyst 207
Chinese military officer surveys ruined landscape through high-tech binoculars.

China's PLA Revives Explosive Tactics in Modern Warfare

The People's Liberation Army is dusting off old-school explosive tactics, deploying high-explosive satchels and makeshift charges in modern warfare, a move that suggests even simple tools can still pack a punch on the battlefield. This revival is reportedly inspired by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where humble explosive charges proved their continued relevance.

Analyst 207
Heavily armored tank with active protection system in war-torn landscape.

China Upgrades Older Tanks with Active Protection Systems

A game-changing photo has emerged showing an older Chinese tank sporting cutting-edge Active Protection Systems, shifting analysts' focus to the country's strategic intent, costs, and battlefield logistics. This surprise upgrade on a tried-and-true Type 96 main battle tank has significant implications for the future of armored warfare.

Analyst 207
Soldier stands atop rocky outcropping, gazing out at serene UN peacekeeping mission zone with upgraded heavy machine gun…

China Unveils Upgraded QJH001 Heavy Machine Gun for Peacekeeping Missions

China's latest upgrade to its QJH001 heavy machine gun is turning heads, particularly in peacekeeping missions, where its deployment from a helicopter door offers enhanced protection and firepower. This seemingly small but significant advancement could have far-reaching implications for militaries, technologists, and policymakers.

Analyst 207