Update: China deploys upgraded ZSL-92B IFV

Artist's impression of the upgraded ZSL-92B amphibious infantry fighting vehicle observed in recent PLA footage. (Janes)

Footage showing an upgraded variant of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) in-service 6×6 ZSL-92B amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) emerged on social media in late July.

The footage shows the vehicle being operated by a PLA Ground Force (PLAGF) unit in the Xinjiang Military District (XMD). The upgraded variant appears to feature a boxier hull in comparison to the baseline ZSL-92. The hull also appears to incorporate a shallow V-shaped underside, likely intended to improve mine protection while providing additional space for embarked troops and equipment.

Janes analysis of the footage suggests that the upgraded ZSL-92B is fitted with an unmanned turret armed with a 30 mm cannon. The turret appears to incorporate a laser rangefinder, a thermal day/night sensor, and a radio-frequency jammer. It also appears to be fitted with a Hong Jian-73 (HJ-73) rail-launched anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).

Twin banks of three smoke grenade launchers are mounted at the front of the turret. A rectangular stowage compartment mounted on the upper front hull immediately ahead of the turret may serve as a launcher for a quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The troop compartment appears to be fitted with periscopic vision blocks positioned above the firing ports on either side of the hull. The upgraded ZSL-92B also retains two rear-mounted waterjets to enable amphibious operations, similar to the baseline ZSL-92.

Janes assesses that the vehicle has been equipped with a ballistic computer and joystick controller to support operation of the unmanned turret. These additions are likely intended to improve fire-control accuracy and enable efficient engagement of targets while reducing crew workload.