Made-in-China equipment helps to strengthen PLA

The PLA Army is the first body of armed forces led by the CPC, and plays an essential role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development, Chinese president Xi Jinping said at a meeting on Dec. 31, 2015

Since the 18th CPC National Congress was held in November 2012, the army's information construction has been improved. Operational capability, which is based on the information system, has also been through a general upgrade. 

Battle tanks and helicopters play a leading role in the PLA Army. They attracted worldwide attention during the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on Sept. 3, 2015.

Now let's take a look at the amazing changes and upgrades the PLA Army's armored forces and aviation forces have undergone in the past three years.

Type 96A main battle tank

The Type 96A main battle tank has been enhanced from the Type 96 main battle tank. It is the PLA's major tank. Compared to the relatively expensive Type 99 main battle tank, the Type 96A has a lower cost and it is suitable for mass production in order to equip the armed forces.

Type 99A main battle tank

The upgrade from the Type 99 main battle tank to the Type 99A main battle tank marks a breakthrough of battle tanks technology. Composite armor is now being used extensively, and information warfare technology has also been integrated into the design.

Upgraded from Type 99, the Type 99A's performance has been greatly improved and its engine power has increased significantly. The control is also more flexible.

Z-8 helicopter

The Z-8 helicopter is a single-rotor, multipurpose medium helicopter with a tail rotor. It features characteristics including good flight performance, long life, superior safety, ease of manipulation and maintenance. It can also be landed in water in emergency situations.

WZ-9 helicopter

The WZ-9 helicopter not only has anti-tank and ground fire suppression capabilities, it is also able to transport infantry troops. It can conduct air combat, too.

It uses a ducted tail rotor, which greatly improves the safety of flying close to the ground. Its flexible blade is quite advanced. It has two independent hydraulic systems, which improve viability during combat operations.

WZ-10 helicopter 

The WZ-10 is China's first domestically designed and produced attack helicopter. The successful development of the WZ-10 demonstrates the large-scale transformation and improvement of China's helicopter industry.

From the ability to attack, the WZ-10 has a dual air-to-air and air-to-ground capability. On defensive performance, it uses a stealth design, along with a narrow fuselage, so the radar reflector can be effectively controlled.

WZ-19 helicopter

The WZ-19 helicopter's design is derived from the Z-9 helicopter. It has the typical features of armed helicopters, including tandem cockpit layout, four-bladed composite rotor, ducted tail rotor, four external weapon hard points and tailwheel landing gear. It made its successful maiden flight in 2010. 

Due to lower prices and production costs, WZ-19 helicopters can be made on a large scale and used in the armed forces as a powerful supplement for the more expensive WZ-10.