The Changing Composition of China's AFV Fleet

[MarkSheppard]

For Scenario Designers, from the latest IISS; the changing composition of China's AFV Fleet over 20 years (1997-2017).

Still a lot of Type 59s (aka ZTZ-59 in the new designation system) in the fleet -- no idea how many are actually in combat service; as opposed to "paper" inventory.

[Suhiir]

As the old saying goes, if you're not fighting a tank heavy foe ANY tank is a good tank.

It's not as easy as it was up till about 1942 (prior to the large scale adoption of man-portable anti-tank weapons) but even with fancy guided ATGMs they can't be everywhere and ammo us usually somewhat limited. The problem is some people still try "Armored Charges" and Kursk made it clear that was a BAD idea, you need infantry support. But Combined Arms isn't really a concept most people (including most politicians/dictators/kings/etc.) grasp. It ain't as simple as just having stuff on the same battlefield at the same time.

[Oche]

Originally Posted by Suhiir

As the old saying goes, if you're not fighting a tank heavy foe ANY tank is a good tank.

It's not as easy as it was up till about 1942 (prior to the large scale adoption of man-portable anti-tank weapons) but even with fancy guided ATGMs they can't be everywhere and ammo us usually somewhat limited. The problem is some people still try "Armored Charges" and Kursk made it clear that was a BAD idea, you need infantry support. But Combined Arms isn't really a concept most people (including most politicians/dictators/kings/etc.) grasp. It ain't as simple as just having stuff on the same battlefield at the same time.

Hear, hear!.

Suhir, you couldn't have said it better