An armored brigade of the 78th Group Army of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF), under the Northern Theater Command, conducted winter drills showcasing advancements in camouflage techniques and counter-drone systems.
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The training included the use of Type 99A main battle tanks and ZBD-04A infantry fighting vehicles, both equipped with white pixel-style paint schemes and winter camouflage nets designed to blend into snowy environments.
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The tanks were also fitted with compact anti-drone cages, known as “barbecue grilles,” to protect against first-person view (FPV) drones, an emerging threat in modern battlefields.
The drills took place under extreme conditions, simulating real-world scenarios in mined areas and slippery surfaces. Teams used metal spikes on equipment to improve traction and prevent slipping during maneuvers. The brigade carried out live-fire exercises with tanks and mortars, alongside infantry assault operations.
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The introduction of specific countermeasures against drones, such as anti-visual targeting nets on ZBD-04As, reflects growing global concerns about the threats posed by FPV drones, which have the precision to target vulnerable points on armored vehicles.
These drills underline the PLAGF’s commitment to modernization and its capability to operate in diverse terrains and adverse conditions, strengthening operational readiness to counter threats in contested zones.
Sources and images: wb/沉默的山羊 / X @jesusfroman / defence-blog.com. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.