The pictures, recently published by platforms linked with Chinese PLA, provide an opportunity to examine the possible military deployment near the LAC. PLA have recently published several pictures of latest training manoeuvres conducted by Xizang Military Command 

China’s military exercise on August 24 has once again sparked fears of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) carrying out a fresh deployment of weapon systems along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as it had done earlier before the standoff in Ladakh in May.

In April, China used a similar ploy disguising its mobilisation as a military exercise to deploy troops and weapon systems in areas bordering eastern Ladakh, bolstering their strength before the hostilities started between Indian and Chinese armies.

Platforms linked with the PLA have recently published several pictures of latest training manoeuvres conducted by Xizang Military Command. The pictures purported to capture the military exercises provide an opportunity to examine the possible military deployment near the LAC.

Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicles

One of the images published on the China Military website shows an armoured vehicle which heavily resembled the design of Chinese ZBD04A Reconnaissance Vehicle (ZBD04A RV).


According to reports, the tracked reconnaissance vehicle has electro-optical sensors and radar which enables it to conduct battlefield surveillance missions. ZBD04A RV is also believed to possess a remote weapon station to operate a small-calibre machine gun.

Anti-Aircraft Artillery

A partially concealed vehicle seen in pictures matches the design of PLA’s Type 09 self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery which is also known as PGZ09. It can fire five types of ammunition to neutralise incoming air threats and ground targets. Some reports suggest that it is equipped with a tracking radar, surveillance radar and electro-optical sight system with night-vision camera and laser rangefinder.

Type 15 Light Tanks

Another image shows a possible Chinese Type 15 lightweight battle tank, which is considered to provide better mobility in mountain terrains than other Chinese main battle tanks. The tank was showcased during China's annual foundation day military parade in 2019.


The reports suggest that it carries Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS), High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), High Explosive (HE), and gun-launched anti-tank guided missile. Additionally, it also has a remotely operated weapon station mounted on the roof of the turret attached to a machine gun and an automatic grenade launcher.


Another image shows a closer look at the camouflage applied to the armoured vehicles. Earlier, satellite imagery showed most PLA infrastructure near LAC being concealed by camouflages. The new images establish tracked armoured vehicles covered by a similar camouflage.