Retrofitting Active Protection Systems (APS) onto Older AFVs

Up until now, every photo of PLA armored vehicles equipped with Active Protection Systems has featured the newer platforms:  Type 99A/B, ZBD‑04A, and the like. But now we finally have a field shot of an older Type 96 MBT casually sporting one. 

Also worth noting: the accompanying maintenance support vehicle is carrying an unmanned ground vehicle, designed to haul equipment and supplies to support crews at a maintenance site or near a “damaged tank” under fire . A very practical upgrade as sending a drone to fetch tools beats sending a "GI Zhou" any day if you ask me.

 

 

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Photo Of The Day: ZBD04A with armor active defense systems (APS)

 It is hard to tell which model it is from this pic.

 

 

 

This blows, PLA 200KG dynamite brick/satchel charge

Old‑school PLA vibes here. Troops from a brigade of the 73rd Group Army carrying on the proud tradition of solving problems with dynamite. One takeaway from the war in Ukraine is that the humble satchel charge or the TM‑62 anti-tank mine acting as one, is still extremely effective in urban combat/house clearing. Sometimes the classics just refuse to retire.

 

 

Z‑20F anti‑submarine helicopter aboard a Type 054A frigate.

Anti‑submarine warfare has long been the soft spot in China’s otherwise fast‑growing naval power. Before the Z‑20F came along, the PLAN had to make do with the lighter, shorter‑range Z‑9 and the imported Russian Kamov Ka‑27/28/31 series. The Kamovs were capable for their time, but they’re aging fast with some already retired, and keeping those Russian imports maintained is like trying to service a Soviet‑era washing machine: possible, but not something anyone enjoys.

That’s where the Z‑20F steps in, finally giving the PLAN a modern, purpose‑built ASW helicopter to fill this very critical gap.

 

 

 

 

Saturday, August 03, 2024

A new batch of Type054Amod FFG under construction at Guangzhou

 While a new class of Type054B FFG is undergo sea trials, the PLAN surprised many by ordering a new batch of ten new Type54A FFG with the following medications: A larger hanger to better accommodate the Z-20F anti-submarine reconnaissance helicopter, an improved H/PJ-87A 100mm Main Gun over the previous batch's standard H/PJ-26 76mm, and a new rear mast active phased array low-altitude fast-scanning radar, most likely the Type368 rather than the Type364, found on other late batch Type54As.    

There were five batches of ten Type054A each; once the sixth batch is completed, the total number of Type054A will be 60.

 

Guangzhou Huangpu Shipyard

 

Still in love with their Y-5 biplane

Sure, the 60‑year‑old J‑7 has finally retired from frontline service.  Really, took it long enough!  but the Y‑5, on the other hand, is still going strong like that one grandpa who refuses to stop driving, in this case, jumping. According to today’s (March 28th) report from PLA Naval Aviation, this biplane workhorse isn’t going anywhere.

 

 

Friday, March 06, 2026

Naval Aviation Aircraft Of The Day: Y-5 Transport

While the PLAAF’s operation of the Y‑5 transport is well known, it may come as a surprise that the PLAN Naval Aviation also continues to field this updated variant of the Antonov An‑2 ‘Colt.’ A remarkably enduring aircraft, it’s still going strong.

 

 At the same time J-35 as well.  Talking about an age gap

 

Sunday, December 01, 2024

Y-5 biplane said good bye to another crew

Yesterday, the PLAAF airborne said goodbye to this year's retired crew members of a Y-5 unit.  The Y-5, which initially entered service on December 23rd, 1957, under direct Soviet supervision, is still operational, awaiting a new crew to continue flying.

Y-5B, a search and rescue variant on display at the recent 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, yes it is still going strong

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Yes, they are still making An-2 Colt / Y-5 biplane in China

The latest Y-5BG model completed her first flight on March 3rd, 2020 (here).  As a point of reference, the original An-2 completed her first on 1947.

Engine is Honeywell PE-331 turboprop and all civilian to boot.  Cheap to operate, easy to handle and can land anywhere, why not?  Great for agriculture applications

 

Saturday, February 06, 2021

Forever Y-5, still in service with the China Air Force for anti desertification aerial seeding

 China Air Force Unit: 3rd Transportation and SAR Regiment, Western Theater Command

 

 

Confirmation of the day: J-7 fighter decommissioned from PLA service (both PLAAF and PLANAF)

This isn’t exactly breaking news for anyone who follows Chinese military developments, but it’s still noteworthy to have confirmation that the J‑7 has finally been retired from front‑line service. As for the remaining airframes that are still in decent condition, several paths remain open: they could be exported, repurposed as secondary trainers, or converted into remotely operated drones. Time will tell which direction they choose.