People's Liberation Navy - Marine Corps - Modernization

The Marines are equipped with Type-63A tanks, Type-63 armored personnel carriers and various artillery pieces. The Marine Corps does not have an organic aviation capability. The Marine Corps of the Navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) celebrated its 30th anniversary on 05 May 2010. Amid the majestic martial music, 15 marine phalanxes passed by the rostrum in uniform steps. The most advanced amphibious assault vehicles, amphibious infantry combat vehicles, amphibious howitzers and other amphibious heavy equipment of the PLA in neat formation made an imposing appearance, showcasing the great achievements made by the marine corps of the PLA Navy over the past 30 years.

The Marine Corps has infantry, artillery, armor and engineering units, as well as reconnaissance, chemical defense and communications units. It is intended to be a rapid assault force for amphibious operations, forward base seizure, and coastal defense.

Type 63A amphibious light tank (has been mistaken by the media as type 99 tank). It is equipped with a 105mm main gun and can also fire a 105mm laser guided missile. Equipped with the new 1215L-7BW engine, thermal imaging night vision equipment and global positioning system. Anti-explosive armor is installed in front of the ring-welded all-steel armored turret to improve battlefield viability.

Type 63C amphibious armored personnel carrier. It is a modified type of 63 type amphibious armored personnel carrier. The front and rear parts of the car body are welded with two pontoons respectively, which greatly improves the flight capacity. In addition, there is a modified type used as a command vehicle. The improvement work has attracted some criticism: the 63-type armored personnel carrier installed an unarmored motorized airship engine behind the car body. This modification not only makes the thrust small but slow on the sea, but also on the land because of the extra weight. Slow action. The 63A amphibious light tank and the 63C armored personnel carrier retain small buoyancy, low water line, and cannot be used in large seas. However, these two types of tanks have the ability to launch attacks from the sea, and can fire back before landing. The 63C armored personnel carrier is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and can carry 13 fully armed infantry.

Type 86 modified infantry fighting vehicle. The Type 86 infantry fighting vehicle mimics the Russian BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle. At present, the 2nd Marine Brigade is equipped with a certain number of Type 86 modified infantry fighting vehicles. The tank is equipped with a 73mm low-voltage wireless gun with 40 rounds. In addition, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is installed. An anti-tank missile launcher was installed outside the tank, equipped with four missiles. This type of chariot is loaded with eight fully armed infantry.

Type 89 122mm self-propelled howitzer. The chassis is based on the Type 77 amphibious armoured personnel carrier. The gun body and turret are all welded aluminum structures that defend against small arms shooting and shrapnel attacks. The 122mm howitzer is a replica of the Russian D30 howitzer.

The Type 77 II armored personnel carrier (WZ211), although not new, has been widely used by amphibious forces for many years and is still in use at least 200 to 300 vehicles. It mimics the Russian BTR-50PK armored personnel carrier, but the engine is more powerful. At present, it is mainly used for resupply and carrying of equipment.

Despite the weak fire support capability, the PLA amphibious force still has a certain fire support capability. The 63A amphibious light tank can provide a higher accurate strike capability during the advancement and can use the barrel to launch long-range anti-tank missiles. At present, the People's Liberation Army is experimenting with armed civilian cargo ships to provide firepower and precision guidance strike support. The other two multi-tube rocket launch systems also provide some fire support. The WS-1B multi-barrel rocket launching system does not have ballistic correction capability with a range of 180 kilometers. The other is the A-100 long-range multi-barrel rocket launching system, which has ballistic correction capability but a short range.

Once the landing is successful, the PLA's fire support environment will be greatly improved. According to Russian calculations, the 120mm mortar and ammunition will have a 75% power of the 152mm bomb. Due to the ease of carrying the mortar, the PLA may use mortars at its beach or other locations as its primary non-direct fire support. Large-scale fire support will be carried out by the Type 89 122mm rocket launcher, but direct support for the regiment and divisional units will be carried out by 122mm howitzers and 122mm mortars. China North Industries Corporation currently produces a series of ammunition for dual-purpose conventional modified ammunition for the 122mm howitzer system. In addition, laser-guided munitions such as Kitolov2M can greatly reduce logistical needs.

The PLA's infantry has made the equipment more heavy-duty, and the PF-89 anti-tank rocket launcher is replacing the old-fashioned rocket launcher, which is suitable for combat in the city or building area. In addition, the PF-98 120mm rocket launcher has greatly improved the infantry's ability to strike.