The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has a strong tradition of fighting at night, using the cover of darkness to secure historic victories. Nowadays, the PLA has improved its night combat capabilities with advanced weapons and night vision equipment. China Armed Forces joined a tank battalion for night battle training.
It was dark and quiet at a training field in east China’s Anhui Province.
“Target 2, fire!” said an order displayed on a screen, and shells suddenly lit up the sky. Training had begun.
A scout group wearing infrared camouflage uniforms headed toward the enemy position.
“The uniforms can decrease the odds of being detected by 43 percent at a distance of over 100 meters,” said Tang Tianbin, a senior officer. The scout group was also equipped with individual digital systems that transmitted timely images and communications to base.
Night battle confuses the senses. The battalion had established a scout system that integrated long-distance radar, medium-range optics and short-range micro-optics, so as to make the battlefield “transparent” and to enable soldiers “see clearly and shoot accurately.”
“Night vision cameras detect four enemy tanks maneuvering crosswise along the hill road.” The moment the data was sent back to the command post, Staff Officer Li Zhonghai pressed a button and sent a strike order to the battle units.
“The quick response of the strategic command system enables us to detect and destroy,” said Li. Night battles required more use of terrain, a divided shooting area and more coordination of different units. Poor communication between command and troops had hampered operations in the past, he said. This drill stressed better transparency and control of night battles as well as the command system, with its digital connection to the remote control system of armored forces, the communication network among military groups and the integration of information collection, reporting and response.
In the command vehicle, the battlefield camera and individual command system showed the units with advanced night vision equipment moving as quickly and precisely as they would have in daytime.
“Number 1, seize the Target 3 highland quickly and take down Target 4.” Hearing the order, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles started forward, guided by the Beidou navigation system. A green laser beam guided three cannon shells accurately to their target.
“Shooting practice in the past was restricted by limited technology support, so gunners had to guess target locations,” Staff Sergeant Xie Zhengkui said. The laser devices could now enable accurate strikes within 2 kilometers.
After the first long-distance strike, the red army immediately collected the images of the result and evaluated the damage to the enemy armored targets.
A few years ago, commanders faced a complicated process calling for artillery or gunship support. But now, the battalion had a new command system, coordinating the commanders of tanks, artillery and army aviation. The more timely information exchanges required stricter training. In order to fully develop artillery firepower, tank units and armored infantry units moved forward after the artillery strikes, narrowing the distance between attacking units and artillery targets. Brigade Commander Zhao Qiu and his troops knew the best distance to give full play to the artillery and to avoid friendly fire.
At 8:15 p.m., the battle still raged. A scout staff officer reported: “Enemy company counterattacking.”
“Changjiang, destroy all the enemies moving to the Target 5 highland.” The combat staff officer clicked his mouse, sending orders to all the battle units. The infantry got off the vehicles, and the tanks launched a strike. Immediately, guns roared in the valley.
When the command was about to order deep strikes, the scout staff officer reported: “Target 6 highland blocked by enemy forces.” Combat Staff Officer Su Rilie quickly screened and analyzed the information, and sent orders. Soon, artillery strikes resumed and mine clearance vehicles quickly explored the path.
“Number 1, provide emergency repair for a tank on the Target 2 highland.” The logistical support team started repairs with night vision equipment at once. Soon, the tank returned to the battle. Maintenance technician Liu Cantang said they had specially enhanced abilities for repairs at night, using more touch and less vision, greatly cutting repair times.
“The crossfire covered all the targets, and the enemies have been defeated.” At 8:30 p.m., three green flares signaled an end to the drill.
“High-end night vision equipment is necessary in modern digitalized warfare,” said Chen Daoxiang, chief of staff of the First Army Group. “Various new weapons and equipment will make 24-hour combat ordinary.”
