Chinese tanks could soon strike like fighter jets to kill beyond sight

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is revolutionizing its armored warfare by equipping its new-generation main battle tanks, notably the Type 100, with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and networked warfare capabilities. This transformation enables tanks to engage targets beyond visual range, a capability traditionally reserved for air and naval forces. The Type 100 tank integrates optical, infrared, radar sensors, and electronic warfare tools, allowing it to perceive the battlefield with full-circle awareness and coordinate long-range strikes in real time. This marks a significant shift from conventional close-range tank battles to a more sophisticated, information-driven combat approach. The PLA’s recent exercises demonstrated the integration of these tanks with other military branches, including helicopters, rocket launchers, electronic warfare units, and reconnaissance drones, forming a highly coordinated joint force. Military analysts highlight that China’s breakthroughs in miniaturizing radar and communication systems have overcome the challenges of fitting advanced beyond-visual-range capabilities into the limited space and power of ground vehicles. This development