China Unveils Type 100 Tank: A Fourth-Generation Leap in Armored Warfare

China's main battle tanks and heavy armored vehicles are vividly nicknamed by military enthusiasts as the “Kings of Land Warfare.” At the China's 80th Victory Day parade, the newly unveiled Type 100 tank and Type 100 fire support vehicle made their debut with a strikingly futuristic appearance. Their turrets and hulls are equipped with multiple electro-optical sensors, a remote weapon station, and an active protection system. The Type 100 tank belongs to China’s fourth-generation tanks and falls into the medium-weight category. As a new-generation design, it differs from third-generation tanks in its core philosophy. In the past, tanks enhanced their passive defense by thickening armor, using composite armor, or reactive armor. However, this concept has proven inadequate in keeping up with changes on the modern battlefield. Modern anti-tank munitions and drones often concentrate attacks on weak points of tanks and armored vehicles, such as the top, where armor is difficult to reinforce. The newly unveiled Type 100 tank and armored vehicle strengthen their survivability in the drone era by building on passive protection with enhanced active defense systems. They are also equipped with interceptor munitions capable of neutralizing small drones. Unlike previous designs that focused on larger calibers, the Type 100 emphasizes precision. With the support of various sensors and data links, it can select different types of ammunition to achieve higher strike accuracy and precisely hit enemy weak points. The Type 100 fire support vehicle is designed to operate in coordination with the Type 100 tank. While the tank’s main gun delivers powerful firepower, it is less suited to engaging multiple targets simultaneously. In such cases, the fire support vehicle—with its higher rate of fire—can suppress and eliminate unarmored threats such as anti-tank missile operators, or lightly armored targets. In addition, the rear of the Type 100 fire support vehicle carries a mounted rotary-wing drone. According to military expert Fu Qianshao: “It is possible that this vehicle-mounted drone could carry out simple reconnaissance-strike missions, or even conduct ‘suicidal attacks.’” From the traditional “armor-versus-shell” confrontation of shield and spear, armored warfare is now evolving into an integrated approach of “information and firepower as one.” With the advantage of advanced information systems, the firepower of this new generation of tanks and armored vehicles will reach an even higher level. Only with more advanced weapons can peace be better safeguarded. The information that China wants to present is clear. Source: CCTV News