China jumps ahead of US in race to field lighter battlefield tanks

China has unveiled its new Type 100 main battle tank, marking a significant shift towards lighter, unmanned, and intelligence-driven armored warfare. Unlike traditional tanks, the Type 100 emphasizes advanced technological integration over heavy armor, featuring a diesel-electric hybrid engine for improved mobility and stealth. It is equipped with a 105mm main gun and an unmanned turret controlled by an advanced fire control system. The tank incorporates radars, infrared, and laser warning systems capable of detecting threats and deploying countermeasures such as interceptor rockets and jamming devices. Additionally, AI enhances situational awareness and networked firepower coordination, while a deployable reconnaissance drone provides aerial surveillance. The crew benefits from augmented reality helmets offering a 360-degree, video game-like view of the battlefield, and the tank can operate both with and without a crew. In response, the U.S. military is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank, which similarly focuses on lighter weight, hybrid electric propulsion, and data-centric defensive systems