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In a move likely prompted by India's growing arsenal of loitering suicide drones, China has upgraded its Type 15 light tanks with prominent anti-drone "cope cages." This development, first observed during a high-altitude combat exercise in the PLA's Western Theater Command on October 6, 2024, highlights the increasing importance of drone defence in modern warfare.
The Type 15, designed for mountainous and jungle terrain like that found along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, is a lightweight tank optimized for mobility. Weighing between 33 and 36 tons, it boasts a 105mm cannon capable of firing both conventional rounds and anti-tank missiles. However, its lighter armor compared to main battle tanks makes it potentially vulnerable to attacks from above, particularly from drones.
Recent footage and images shared by military observers reveal that these tanks are now equipped with large, cage-like structures covering the top, sides, and rear of the vehicle. These "cope cages" are designed to pre-detonate the warheads of incoming threats like rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank missiles, and crucially, suicide drones, before they can impact the tank's main armor.
While the Type 15 is already equipped with active protection systems (APS) to intercept incoming projectiles, the addition of "cope cages" emphasizes the continued importance of passive protection, particularly against aerial threats.
This added layer of protection is likely a direct response to India's recent acquisition of various loitering suicide drones, both indigenous and foreign-made. These drones pose a significant threat to armored vehicles due to their ability to loiter over the battlefield and strike vulnerable top armor.
Military observers, including Jesús Roman, have highlighted the PLA's adoption of these cages, drawing parallels to Russia's experiences in the Ukraine conflict where drones have inflicted significant damage on armored vehicles. This trend reflects a global shift towards enhancing armored vehicle defenses against the growing prevalence of drones in modern warfare.
The LAC, a disputed border region between India and China, has been a point of contention since a standoff in 2020. The deployment of Type 15 tanks with enhanced drone protection in this area suggests that China is actively preparing for potential conflicts with India and adapting its tactics to counter emerging threats.
