17 May 2021

Modernisation of PLAGF's Xinjiang Military Command continues apace

by Samuel Cranny-Evans & Gabriel Dominguez

The modernisation and mechanisation of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force's (PLAGF's) Xinjiang Military Command continues at a fast pace, with Chinese media revealing on 16 May that Xinjiang recently received elements of a medium combined arms battalion, including dozens of ZLB-09 (also known as Type 09)-series 8×8 platforms.

A screengrab from footage released by CCTV on 16 May of a recently held ceremony showing elements of a medium combined arms battalion entering service with the PLAGF’s Xinjiang Military Command. (CCTV)

Broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) released footage of an induction ceremony for about 70 protected wheeled platforms, including at least 14 ZTL-11 direct-fire-support vehicles armed with a 105 mm gun.

At least 19 ZBL-09 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), six supporting elements – including a ZBL-09-based armoured recovery vehicle – as well as six command-and-control (C2) platforms based on the 8×8 hull were also present. The formation also included two 6×6 armoured vehicles, which are most likely from the ZSL-92 family, and may be mortar vehicles, although this has not been confirmed.

Elements of the artillery company typically assigned to a medium combined arms battalion were also present at the event and included at least eight PLL-09 122 mm self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) based on the ZBL-09 hull, two or more artillery reconnaissance vehicles from the ZBL-09 family, CSK181 4×4 protected mobility vehicles that appear to be used in support of artillery formations, and what are likely to be 8×8 C2 vehicles for the artillery company.

The modernisation and mechanisation of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force's (PLAGF's) Xinjian...

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