China outfits Type 15 tanks with anti-drone cope cages
In response to the evolving battlefield tactics after the Russian invasion Ukraine, China has started equipping its armored vehicles, specifically its 36-tonne Type 15 tanks, with anti-drone ‘cope cages’ to defend against drone attacks.
This adaptation is one of several measures the Chinese military has undertaken after assessing the challenges faced by Russian forces during their ongoing war in Ukraine.
The images, shared by military observer Jesus Roman, revealed that these cope cages were installed on Type 15 tanks during a high-altitude combined arms exercise in the Western Theater Command, at an elevation of approximately 5,300 meters. The metal caging, mounted over the turrets of the tanks, is designed to shield the vehicles from first-person view (FPV) drones.
The use of these ‘cope cages’ represents a broader trend in global military tactics, where ad-hoc solutions are becoming more common in efforts to protect armored vehicles against aerial threats. These structures, while initially makeshift in appearance, have evolved into a standard defensive upgrade in many armed forces as drone technology becomes a prevalent weapon in modern warfare.
China’s decision to install these systems on its armored units highlights a critical shift in military tactics and emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapidly changing combat scenarios. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) seems to be drawing significant lessons from the challenges faced by Russian forces in Ukraine, where drone attacks have repeatedly targeted and damaged armored vehicles.
The Type 15 tank, also known as the ZTQ-15, is a lightweight, highly mobile vehicle designed for operations in rugged terrain, including high-altitude regions and dense forests. The addition of anti-drone measures enhances its survivability in scenarios where it could face attacks from FPV drones or similar aerial threats.