The ERA on Type 59D, while able to protect against HEAT-shaped warheads to some extent, can not protect against kinetic warheads.Īnother modification is that the Type 59Ds come equipped with a bigger 105-millimetre gun instead of the 100 mm rifled gun. The explosive detonates when penetrated by an object (likely a weapon), thus forcing the metal plates apart and damaging the attacking object.

ERA features a sheet or slab of high explosive positioned between two metal plates. One significant modification is that the tanks are protected by China’s indigenous FY series of explosive reactive armour (ERA). It is modelled after the Soviet era T-54A, although with some upgrades. The most widespread of these are Type 59D- the oldest tank in the inventory of the PLA. The Dragon’s ScalesĬhina sports a myriad of tanks in terms of quantity and type. But before exploring the Achilles’ heel of these metal powerhouses, it is important to understand what kind of firepower China possesses regarding tanks. This has often led some observers to question whether the seeming design flaw stems from the lack of know-how, a paucity of funds, or is perhaps the result of a very different military doctrine compared to other major military powers like the US and Russia, for example. This design leaves them vulnerable to attack by weapons as old as 1960s-era high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has a range of tanks- while some features showcase extensive hardware capabilities, many are designed with one fatal flaw- critical areas of several of the dragon’s tanks have only naked steel-plated armour to defend them. Yet, experts have noted that although it is striding forward in developing strategic weapons, China has a chink in its armour! Some analysts see the dragon outpacing the US in the hypersonic missile race and even developing anti-ballistic ship missiles. However, it is about more than just catching up for China. With the development of state-of-the-art stealth aircraft and naval vessels, the country has come close to the United States regarding technological prowess. The Chinese military machine has been growing at a blistering pace.

Chinese advanced main battle tank