PLA Tests New Air Defense Weapons

Beijing (TDI): The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) recently conducted live-fire drills with a newly developed self-propelled air defense system, which integrates both a rotary cannon and missile launchers.

The system is designed to enhance defenses against emerging threats such as drones, according to Chinese media.

During the exercises, air defense troops from the PLA’s 71st Group Army tested the weapon’s capabilities in simulated combat scenarios.

The new system, characterized by its high mobility, accuracy, and extended range, successfully intercepted multiple aerial targets under complex conditions, including electromagnetic interference.

Zhao Jiayi, a member of the brigade, highlighted the advanced fire control system of the weapon, which can accurately track and engage targets based on their movement.

The new system has now become a critical component of the brigade’s terminal air defense, providing an additional layer of protection.

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The new air defense system is particularly effective against low-altitude, slow-moving, and small aerial threats, such as drones, which have become a significant challenge in modern warfare.

Liu Xinpo, another brigade member, noted that the system also creates a mobile defense network for both attack and support forces during operations.

Military aviation expert Fu Qianshao emphasized the importance of such systems in field operations, where mobile air defense is crucial.

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The weapon can switch between missiles for distant targets and its gun for closer, low-flying threats, such as rotary-wing drones, making it a versatile tool against a variety of aerial threats.

Fu added that drones, with their small radar cross sections, are difficult to detect and expensive to intercept with traditional missiles, making this new weapon system a cost-effective solution for modern battlefield challenges.