On September 3, 2025, China held a grand military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, during which the new Type 100 tank made its first public appearance. This vehicle, dubbed a fourth-generation main battle tank, is lightweight, highly mobile, and specifically designed for high-altitude and complex terrain. The US-based National Interest magazine quickly published an analysis, stating that it is equipped with an unmanned turret, a 105mm main gun capable of firing various types of ammunition, and also features a remote-controlled weapon system and an automatic loader. The entire vehicle is covered with cameras and sensors, enabling real-time threat monitoring. Its active protection system covers 360 degrees and can intercept missiles, rockets, and drones. The article states that this design is targeted at modern battlefields, especially given that drones and anti-tank weapons often target the weak points on the top of tanks.

The National Interest magazine emphasizes that the Type 100 tank uses augmented reality technology to assist the crew in operation, the unmanned turret frees up space for enhanced protection, and it can also carry rotary-wing drones for reconnaissance, improving battlefield awareness. The accompanying Type 100 combat support vehicle is equipped with high-rate-of-fire weapons, specifically designed to engage infantry or lightly armed targets. The two vehicles share intelligence via data link, targeting enemy weaknesses.

US media believes this represents a shift in tank technology from simply relying on armor to integrating sensors and information systems. Expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times that advanced information technology significantly increases firepower and enhances survivability in high-threat environments. While the Chinese military has not announced a specific commissioning date, the magazine believes funding and production capacity are not issues.

Comparing the Russian T-14 Armata tank to the Russian T-14, *The National Interest* magazine points out that both feature unmanned turrets and advanced sensors. However, Russia has been hampered by cost and technology since the 2015 Red Square parade, unable to mass-produce it and only building a small number of prototypes. By 2025, the T-14 has not yet seen combat, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains unresolved.

US media reports that China is different; it doesn't rely solely on theoretical pronouncements. China has already produced 100 tanks, and small-batch deliveries began after the parade. The delays in the Russian project impacted its export market, leading to the conversion to older models. The Chinese design prioritizes practicality, featuring a lightweight chassis with 1000 horsepower, suitable for border deployment.

The National Interest magazine also compared it to other national projects, such as Germany's KF-51 and the US Abrams X, most of which are corporate concept vehicles and have not yet entered mass production. The French and Indian plans remain on paper. The Type 100 tank is comprehensive in its new technologies, integrating AI, AR, numerous optoelectronic sensors, and hybrid power.

US media believes this could become the benchmark for fourth-generation tanks globally, prompting other countries to follow suit, reducing the main gun caliber and adding sensors and drones. China's strong production capacity and rapid iteration avoid the long delays seen in Russia. Following the parade, there has been heated discussion in the international military industry, with some countries considering similar configurations.

Following the unveiling of the Type 100 tank, the Chinese Army is expected to receive a small batch by the end of 2025 and deploy it to plateau troops in early 2026 for exercises and testing. Sensor fusion technology performed well in combat simulations, improving response speed. Meanwhile, Russia's T-14 continues to face delays, has limited production, and lacks combat experience.

Subsequent reports from US media stated that Chinese tanks are impacting the regional balance, with European think tanks assessing their influence on NATO. The Chinese approach is driving the shift towards intelligent tanks, while Western projects, although featuring unmanned turrets and automated guided vehicles (APS), lack comprehensive integration. Russia acknowledges the high costs and is shifting towards modifying older models such as the T-90.

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