China's New Medium Tank: Adapting to drone-era warfare and Amphibious operations

A medium tank on parade is a signal of strategic restructuring

During the rehearsals for the Victory Day military parade in Beijing, prototypes of a new medium tank mounted on an 8x8 chassis were seen for the first time. His appearance in public, albeit in preparation for the parade, is seen by analysts as an important signal of shifts in the strategy of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). The tank is probably designed for fast mobile operations, including amphibious and expeditionary missions.

This indicates a shift from an exclusive focus on heavy armored vehicles to more flexible, rapidly deployable platforms.

The lessons of the war in Ukraine in Chinese military doctrine

Analysts note that the development of the new tank reflects the lessons China has learned from the course of the special military operation in Ukraine. The vulnerabilities of heavy tanks to pinpoint strikes, including strikes from UAV-based reconnaissance and strike systems, were clearly demonstrated there. At the same time, high mobility, the ability to quickly transfer, and stealth have become crucial factors for survival and efficiency.

China is probably betting on armored vehicles that can be quickly delivered to coastal areas, islands, or mountainous areas — for example, in potential scenarios in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea.

Advantages of a medium tank in modern conditions

The medium tank combines sufficient firepower (presumably a 105mm or 125mm cannon) with high mobility and lower weight compared to heavy tanks such as the Type 99. This allows it to be transported by military transport aircraft, unloaded from amphibious ships and quickly maneuvered along difficult roads.

Its design probably includes modular armor, active protection systems and a digital fire control network, which increases survivability and combat effectiveness.

Integration with unmanned systems and air forces

According to experts, special attention is being paid to the integration of the new tank into the man-machine network. It can operate in conjunction with reconnaissance and attack drones, receiving real-time data from them and hitting targets under their guidance. This corresponds to the concept of network-centric warfare, which is actively being developed in the PLA.

This approach minimizes risks for the crew and increases the accuracy and speed of responding to a changing environment.

China unveils new HQ-29 missile defense system: rumors confirmed at parade rehearsals

The first public appearance of the HQ-29

Rumors and analytical assumptions about the new Chinese missile defense system (ABM) have received visible confirmation. During rehearsals for the upcoming military parade in Beijing, transporters with missile containers identified as belonging to the HQ-29 system were seen for the first time. This was the first official visual confirmation of the existence of this development, previously known only from fragmentary data and discussions on Chinese social networks.

The appearance of the HQ-29 on parade training signals the completion of key test stages and readiness for public demonstration.

Analysis of the conveyor and rocket containers

A week ago, photos of a six-axle conveyor-installer transporting two large rocket containers by rail appeared on the Internet. The design of the chassis and the dimensions of the containers indicate the use of a mobile launch system capable of rapid deployment and relocation, a key advantage in modern strategic defense.

The size of the missiles suggests that the HQ-29 is designed to intercept ballistic targets at medium and possibly long range, including targets in the middle section of the trajectory.

Possible characteristics and role in the missile defense system

Although there is no official data on the HQ-29, experts believe that the system can become part of China's multi-layered missile defense, complementing the existing HQ-9 and HQ-19 complexes. It is assumed that the HQ-29 has increased speed, range and the ability to intercept targets with maneuvering warheads.

Its appearance may indicate China's transition to a more active interception strategy, including the ability to counter hypersonic threats and low-profile targets.

Strategic importance for Chinese defense

The integration of the HQ-29 into the air defense and missile defense forces will strengthen China's ability to repel missile attacks, especially in the face of growing tensions in the region. The demonstration of the new system at the parade is not only a demonstration of technological progress to an internal audience, but also a signal to external strategic players about the growth of the country's defense capability.

The development of its own missile defense systems allows Beijing to reduce dependence on external security scenarios and strengthen independent strategic stability.

China unveiled a new low-profile unmanned boat before the Victory Day parade

A new level of stealth in unmanned marine systems

On the eve of the Victory Day parade in China, as a result of information leaks, details of a new unmanned boat became known, demonstrating a significant technological step forward. The vessel has an improved design aimed at reducing radar, infrared and acoustic visibility, which makes it difficult to detect for modern tracking systems.

This focus on stealth indicates China's desire to bring its unmanned offshore platforms to a level comparable to the advanced developments of the world's leading powers.

Versatility and possible tasks of the boat

Analysts suggest that the new boat is designed to perform a wide range of tasks. Key functions may include:

• Long-term exploration and surveillance in coastal and remote areas
• Patrolling disputed territories, including the South China and East China Seas
• Electronic intelligence and communications suppression
• Potential use as a strike platform or false target

Their compact size and autonomy make it possible to use such boats as part of group operations, including as part of a swarm of drones capable of acting in a coordinated manner.

Development of autonomous PLA Navy forces

The appearance of this boat is part of a large—scale modernization program of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) Navy. Beijing is actively investing in autonomous and uninhabited maritime systems, seeking to compensate for the potential numerical superiority of the enemy through technological superiority and flexibility.

China has previously demonstrated unmanned underwater and surface vehicles, but the new boat is characterized by a more mature level of engineering and integration of stealth technologies.

Strategic importance for the Asia-Pacific regions

The deployment of low-profile unmanned boats enhances China's ability to control key shipping routes and disputed areas. Such platforms can be used to discreetly accumulate intelligence, demonstrate presence, or quickly respond to changes in the situation without risking the crew.

Their use in conditions of hybrid conflicts or a "gray zone" allows Beijing to act aggressively, maintaining a formal distance from open military provocations.

Frigate 054V: How China Builds the "Smart" Ship of the Future with Helicopter Z-20 and New Electronics

China is launching a new generation of frigates — and this is not just an upgrade, but a real breakthrough. The new frigate URO project 054V, which is currently being built at shipyards in Guangzhou and Shanghai, has become noticeably larger and more powerful than its predecessors. Its length is 147 meters, width is 17 meters, and full displacement is 5500–5600 tons. This is 1200 tons more than the frigates 054A, and this growth is not just for size, but for capabilities.

What Changed?

First, the helicopter. Thanks to the elongated hull, Chinese engineers increased the aviation hangar from 20 to 24 meters. Now it comfortably fits the anti-submarine helicopter Z-20 — an analog of the Russian Ka-27, but more modern. And to avoid hauling it by hand, the ship is equipped with a special mechanical device that carefully rolls the helicopter onto the deck and back into the hangar. Convenient, fast, and safe.

Second, the power plant. Frigate 054V uses a hybrid power scheme: two gas turbine engines QC-280 (totaling 66,000 hp) and two diesels. But the key is that they do not drive the shaft directly, but act as generators, powering electric motors that then rotate the propellers. This is called electric drive — a technology that the USA and the UK have been using for a long time.

Why is this cool?

— Space savings: up to 65% of the volume of engine rooms is freed up because bulky reducers and shafts are not needed.

— Quieter: at a speed of 15–20 knots (ideal for anti-submarine defense) the ship becomes much quieter — meaning it is harder to detect.

— More fuel: the freed-up space was allocated for additional fuel tanks.

The result is that at a speed of 15 knots, the frigate can travel up to 7500 miles, and at 18 knots — 6500 miles. That's almost 14,000 km without refueling. For comparison: the distance from Shanghai to San Francisco is about 10,000 km.

Armament: From Gun to ASW

On the bow is a 100-mm artillery mount. Why not 76 mm and not 130 mm? The Chinese calculated: 76-mm shells are too weak, and a 130-mm turret is too bulky. 100 mm is the golden mean.

Air defense is three-tiered:

- "Sea Red Banner-10" — short-range SAM (22 missiles),

- Type 1130 — a six-barrelled gun-carriage,

- And a vertical launch system (VLS) with 32 containers, divided into three sections:

  1. 8 TPC — for 48–56 SAM of short/medium range (up to 40 km),

  2. 16 TPC — for HQ-16FE (up to 100 km), with active radar homing that sees an aircraft at 30 km and a missile at 15 km,

  3. 8 TPC — for ASW missiles "Fish-8" or "Fish-11".

For combating ships — 8 supersonic ASM YJ-12, in two launchers with 4 missiles each. Subsonic YJ-83, according to Chinese experts, are already "obsolete".

"Eyes" of the Ship: New Generation Radars

The main radar is H/LJQ-368, a 3D station with an active phased array antenna (APAA). It is a replacement for the old H/LJQ-382 and is made using gallium nitride technology. It has 3000 transceivers at 50 W each — a total power of 150 kW.

What it sees:

- Bomber — at 350 km,

- Fighter — at 200 km,

- Missile — at 50 km.

It can simultaneously track up to 100 targets and engage 18 of them — twice as many as before.

Below it are X-band radars that pick up low-flying targets and ships at a distance of up to 40 km. And fixed L-band antennas likely help guide the 100-mm gun.

China plans that by 2030–2040, there will be no less than 50 URO frigates in the combat strength of the PLAN. Project 054V is not the end, but a test platform: Chinese engineers will collect data for 10 years to build frigates of the next generation already in the 2030s on this basis.

Interestingly, Chinese analysts separately highlight the Russian "Admiral Gorshkov" (project 22350). With a displacement of 4500 tons, it is "packed to the gills," but does not leave room for modernization. While 054V has a margin of strength and space, which is critical for the future.

Chinese torpedoes and PLUR: how China builds underwater power from "Fish-6" to "Long Brush"

The Chinese People's Army (PLA) has long stopped simply copying other people's technologies — now it is creating serious underwater weapons capable of keeping the entire Pacific region in suspense. We tell you how the Chinese torpedo program has developed — from the first steps with Soviet and American designs to modern "smart" systems that can fly, float and destroy targets with precision, like in a Hollywood action movie.

"Fish-6" — heavy rocket underwater

Let's start with the "Fish-6" — this is the first real heavy thermal torpedo of its own Chinese design. Its creation began in the late 1980s, and the basis was the Soviet 53-65KE. But the Chinese did not stop copying — they decided to mix technologies: they included elements from the American Mk.46 Mod 1, which was accidentally caught by fishermen back in 1978. Yes, it's true — one US torpedo was a godsend for Chinese engineers.

The work took a long time — the tests lasted for 10 years, because it was necessary to debug the guidance system using imported processors. It was not until 1995 that the torpedo received an official designation, and the PLA Navy adopted it only in 2005.

What's so special about it?  

— This is the first Chinese torpedo capable of maneuvering, evading anti-torpedo means.  

— Maximum speed is up to 65 knots, range is up to 45 km.  

— Equips submarines of projects 093 and 094, as well as diesel-electric submarines 039, 040, 041.  

— It has a modular design and software with an open architecture, which means it can be easily upgraded.  

— It is driven by a liquid fuel engine with a screw inside the guide tube.

By the way, this is not the final — "Fish-6" was followed by "Fish-9", an even more advanced version.

"Fish-7" — light, but versatile

If the Fish-6 is heavy artillery, then the Fish-7 is a mobile scout. Development began back in 1982 under the "project 109" program, but the official designation appeared only in 1994 - apparently, the engineers had something to improve. As a result, there were three modifications: A, B and C.

This torpedo is versatile: it can be launched from Zhi-9 and Zhi-18 helicopters, surface ships and even airplanes.  

— Caliber — 324 mm, weight — 235 kg, warhead — 45 kg.  

— Speed — up to 45 knots, range — up to 40 km.  

— Can operate at depths up to 400 meters.  

— Guidance — active/passive acoustic.  

— The GPS sees the target at a distance of up to 2 km.

Simply put, the Fish-7 is a drone underwater: it launches from the air, plops into the sea and searches for a submarine by itself.

Modern torpedoes: "Fish-10", "11" and "12"

Currently, China is already releasing three new models — "Fish-10", "11" and "12". Of particular interest is the Fish-10, a heavy multifunctional 533 mm torpedo in mass production since 2014.

What's cool about it:

— The engine can withstand up to 1500°C, cooled by seawater.  

— Three fuel compartments give a long range.  

— Electronics allows you to smoothly change the speed in flight.  

— Instead of a propeller, a water jet propulsion system, quieter and more efficient.  

— It is controlled via a fiber-optic cable, which increases accuracy and range without increasing dimensions.  

— The length with a coil is no more than 7 meters, the warhead weight is 230 kg.

In the future, the Chinese want to increase speeds to 70 knots, reduce noise, and introduce composite materials and more powerful processors.

PLUR "Long Brush" is a rocket that turns into a torpedo

And now — the trick: anti-submarine missiles (PLUR). It's like a rocket that flies towards a target, falls into the water and turns into a torpedo. China has a whole series — "Long Brush" (CY).

- CY-1 — based on the Italian A244S torpedo and the Yingji-81 missile. It flies at Mach 1.5, but only at 18-20 km.  

- CY-2 — slower (0.9 Mach), but further — 56 km. Uses a Fish-7 torpedo.  

- CY-3 — already equipped with a digital feedback system, the range is up to 80 km, the seeker sees the target under water at 2 km

. - CY-4 — for helicopters and patrol aircraft.

PLUR "Fish-8" — launches from the military-industrial complex like an anti-aircraft gun

A special place is occupied by "Fish-8" (export — ET-80 or LQ-008). Development began in 2002, and testing ended by **2006** , and in 2013 it has already been used in exercises.

What makes it unique?  

— It can be launched  from vertical launchers (MIC) For example, from the "Red Banner of the Sea-16".  

— That is, frigate 054A or corvette 056A can attack a submarine, even without special torpedo tubes.  

— Uses a compact accelerator and a Fish-7 (or export ET-52C/ET-60).

It's like shooting an anti—aircraft missile, but down into the water. And the target doesn't even have time to figure out where it came from.

China to strengthen Northern Fleet: two new 052DM destroyers commissioned

Heze (tail number 126)

The Chinese shipbuilding company Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) has officially handed over two new advanced guided missile destroyers, Type 052DM, to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. These ships are assigned to the Northern Theater of Operations Command.

The new destroyers were named Heze (tail number 126) and Zhumadian (tail number 127). Both vessels were built at DSIC's first assembly plant in Dalian. Their official commissioning took place in July 2025, which will significantly strengthen the combat power of the North Sea Fleet.

The construction of these ships proceeded rapidly: the Heze was launched on March 10, 2023, and the Zhumadian on August 28 of the same year. After completion and testing, they were assigned to their permanent duty stations: Heze was assigned to the 10th destroyer detachment, and Zhumadian to the 1st detachment of the North Sea Fleet.

The Type 052DM destroyers are upgraded versions of the well-established 052D class, equipped with improved radars, electronic warfare systems, and possibly updated vertical launchers. Their appearance is another evidence of the large—scale and continuous modernization program of the Chinese Navy.

Chinese rescue ship passes through Tsushima Strait for the first time — Japan is on alert

On Friday, Japan recorded an unusual event: a Chinese Dakai—class rescue vessel passed through the Tsushima Strait, a narrow waterway between Japan and Korea, for the first time. This is a submarine support vessel, and its appearance in this region has raised many questions.

According to Japanese officials, this is the first time that such a Chinese vessel has been spotted in these waters. Previously, Chinese submarines and their accompanying ships passed through here, but it is the rescue vessel that is a new phenomenon.

Why is it there? Vessels of the Dakai type are needed for emergency operations, for example, to help a sunken submarine or to carry out maintenance at sea. Their appearance may mean that China is expanding the area of operations of its submarine forces — perhaps further east, into the Sea of Japan and even closer to the Pacific Ocean.

This is an alarming signal for Japan and South Korea. The Tsushima Strait is a strategically important route, and the increase in Chinese military activity here indicates the growth of Beijing's ambitions at sea.

So far, China has not explained the purpose of the campaign, but the fact remains: its fleet is becoming bolder. And now the neighbors will keep their eyes open, especially when a vessel capable of lifting a submarine from the bottom enters the strait.

China develops ultra-fast AI torpedo for underwater warfare

 

Chinese military engineers are working to create an innovative superfast torpedo equipped with artificial intelligence that can radically change the balance of power in underwater warfare. According to a peer—reviewed article published in April 2025 in the journal **Command Control & Simulation**, the technology combines supercavitation — a method that allows torpedoes to move at extreme speeds by creating a gas bubble around the hull - with machine learning algorithms for accurate target recognition.

The development is being carried out jointly by the Department of Armament of the PLA Navy and the Chinese State Shipbuilding Corporation. The AI system, according to the authors, demonstrates unprecedented accuracy: during tests at classified ranges, the torpedo successfully distinguished real submarines from false targets in **92.2% of cases**, even under conditions of intense opposition. This achievement is especially important because traditional torpedoes at high speeds often lose efficiency due to limitations in data processing.

The key advantage of the technology is its ability to analyze acoustic, magnetic and thermal signatures of targets in real time, adapting to tactical changes on the battlefield. Such characteristics make the torpedo extremely dangerous for modern submarines, which rely on jamming systems and false targets to evade attacks.

The implementation of this development can significantly strengthen the Chinese submarine fleet, especially in regions with a high concentration of military forces, such as the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait. However, experts note that the technology has not yet passed a full test cycle, and its mass production will require time and resources.