China deploys new weapons in Tibet military exercise

BEIJING: China has deployed sophisticated and new weapons during its current military exercise in the Tibetan region, as well as on the border with India.
The weapons include Type 15 tank and the new 155 mm vehicle-mounted howitzer. State run Global Times quoted military experts as saying that these weapons can “play important roles in safeguarding border areas”.
Their deployment in the Tibet Military Command will enhance People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) combat capability in plateau regions, the paper quoted a military writer as saying.
What is significant is that the Chinese government is encouraging the state broadcaster to display the weapons, ostensibly to send out signals to other countries including India.
The two weapons were first unveiled before the public at the National Day military parade on October 1, 2019, in Beijing. They are capable of efficient manoeuvrings in Tibet’s terrain due to their powerful engines.
The weapons were specifically designed to fire in plateau regions. The Tibet Military Command of the PLA deployed helicopters, armoured vehicles, heavy artillery, and anti-aircraft missiles across the region.
The military exercise is being staged at an elevation of 3,700 metres in Lhasa, and the border defence frontlines with elevations of more than 4,000 metres, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.
“Heavier combat weapons cannot reach the oxygen-depleted border areas and, if lighter, they do not have enough firepower,” the paper said quoting a military expert.
The Type 15 tank is equipped with 105 mm gun and advanced sensors that can “devastate enemy light armoured vehicles in regions not suitable for heavy main battle tank deployment”, the paper said.
The six-wheeled 155 mm vehicle-mounted howitzer is of a high calibre, reacts fast, and can be easily deployed even if it is introduced to a new terrain, the paper said.