China bolsters ZTQ‑15 tanks with drone defence upgrades
Russia and Ukraine are not the only countries enhancing their tanks with additional protection against drones. In footage released by Chinese state television CCTV, light tanks ZTQ-15 are shown equipped with anti-drone cages meant to protect the hull and turret of the vehicle.
The war between Russia and Ukraine serves as a significant test for various military equipment. Observers are clearly drawing conclusions from the battles, as innovations like anti-drone cages or mesh screens are becoming increasingly popular. Recently, such features have even appeared on Chinese light tanks ZTQ-15. These enhancements are designed to safeguard against strikes from armed drones, which present considerable challenges on the battlefield.
Chinese ZTQ-15 tanks
The Chinese Type 15 tank, also known as ZTQ-15, is a light tank developed by China in response to the need for a modern combat vehicle that performs well in challenging terrains, such as the high-altitude regions of Tibet or dense jungles. Designed with flexibility and mobility in mind, it is intended to operate in areas where standard main battle tanks (MBTs), like the Type 99 or Type 96, may struggle to maneuver due to their weight and technical limitations.
The Type 15 stands out due to its relatively low weight compared to traditional main battle tanks—it weighs about 36 tons in its base version and can reach up to 40 tons with additional armour. This represents a significant difference compared to heavy tanks, which often exceed 55 tons. Thanks to its lighter construction, the tank is exceptionally mobile. Furthermore, it is powered by a 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, providing a good power-to-weight ratio and enabling it to reach speeds of approximately 70 km/h on paved roads.
The Chinese Type 15/ZTQ-15 tanks utilize composite armour, which can be further reinforced with modular armour systems or the mesh screens shown in CCTV footage. This vehicle also has an active protection system to detect and neutralize threats like incoming anti-tank missiles.
This tank's primary weapon is a 105 mm smoothbore gun, which can fire both armour-piercing and high-explosive fragmentation shells. It can also fire-guided missiles, significantly enhancing its effectiveness over longer distances.
