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Liu Zhen

The People’s Liberation Army has upgraded its ageing tanks for a potential Taiwan operation, equipping them with a system to counter drone attacks and anti-tank missiles, according to state media.
Type 96A main battle tanks with the GL-6 active protection system, or APS, installed were shown in video footage released by official newspaper China Youth Daily on Monday.
The tanks belong to the 71st Group Army unit under the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command, which is mainly responsible for possible amphibious operations across the Taiwan Strait.
The GL-6 is China’s response to the rapid development of anti-tank drones and loitering munitions – weapons used extensively in the war in Ukraine.
It uses 360-degree radars, infrared and optoelectronic sensors to detect incoming threats – including drones, missiles and rockets – and automatically deploys interceptor munitions to neutralise them.

Unveiled in 2024, the system was seen during last year’s Victory Day military parade on China’s latest armoured vehicles, such as fourth-generation Type 100 main battle tanks and support combat vehicles. New export tanks like the VT-4A1 are also equipped with the APS.
The third-generation Type 96 tanks have been in service for nearly 30 years and have been upgraded to improve their engines, manoeuvrability, firepower and protection. More than 2,500 are estimated to be active, alongside newer models such as the Type 99s and the latest Type 100 series.
The installation of the GL-6 on the older tanks suggests the PLA could be standardising its drone defences across the armoured fleet. It could also reflect preparations for a potential ground assault on Taiwan, informed by lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine.
Due to its smaller size and lighter combat weight compared to the Type 99, the Type 96 remains better suited for transport via amphibious landing ships and hovercraft. That makes it a valuable asset for an assault landing operation, especially during the initial phase traversing difficult coastal terrain.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.
As tensions have soared across the strait, Taiwan has pursued an asymmetric defence – or “porcupine” – strategy to defend against a potential attack from Beijing. That relies on having a vast number of small, low-cost weapons such as Javelin anti-tank missiles and Switchblade 300 anti-tank loitering munitions targeting high-value targets like tanks.
In a deal in December alone, Taiwan ordered more than 1,050 man-portable Javelin missiles and 1,545 TOW-2B heavy anti-tank missiles from the US – though the initial payment due on Monday was delayed by a budget impasse in the island’s legislature.
The footage of the Type 96A appeared in a report on the 71st Group Army’s recent logistics support drill that included tank maintenance and vehicle repairs in a simulated battlefield environment where the roads were damaged and equipment disabled. The report said the focus was “unmanned smart support and drone countermeasures”.


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PLA upgrades ageing tanks with protection system for potential Taiwan operation

Type 96A main battle tanks equipped with the GL-6 active protection system were seen in video footage released by state media on Sunday. Photo: Weibo/China Youth Daily

The third-generation tanks are now equipped with a system to counter drone attacks and anti-tank missiles. Photo: Weibo/China Youth Daily

The smaller and lighter Type 96A tanks are better suited for transport via amphibious landing ships and hovercraft. Photo: Weibo/China Youth Daily

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Type 96A main battle tanks from Eastern Theatre Command now have APS to counter drones and anti-tank missiles, according to state media


Type 96A main battle tanks from Eastern Theatre Command now have APS to counter drones and anti-tank missiles, according to state media.


PLA upgrades ageing tanks with protection system for potential Taiwan operation

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Type 96A main battle tanks from Eastern Theatre Command now have APS to counter drones and anti-tank missiles, according to state media

Type 96A main battle tanks from Eastern Theatre Command now have APS to counter drones and anti-tank missiles, according to state media