Why PLA’s laser-equipped Type 19 vehicle could matter in a Taiwan conflict

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may be preparing to equip its frontline mechanised units with a new variant of the Type 19 amphibious 8x8 combat vehicle. This variant features a turret-mounted laser weapon and extra sensors. The vehicle, which has entered service with the 73rd Group Army under the Eastern Theatre Command, could accompany frontline units in a potential landing operation on Taiwan.

This would provide defence against unmanned surveillance and loitering munitions. While the added weight from the laser system could affect amphibious performance, it might be offset by reducing crew size or other equipment. However, the system would also need to be protected from salt water. If these challenges can be overcome, the laser-based counter-drone system could be valuable in a Taiwan conflict where Taiwanese forces might use drone swarms to target amphibious vehicles.

This development comes as Taiwan increases its drone capabilities, proposing a new defence budget with more than 600 coastal surveillance and reconnaissance drones. The PLA is likely drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war and Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, where drones have proven effective against frontline targets. These insights may be shaping a broader PLA effort to protect troops and vehicles from drones, including through the use of lasers, microwave weapons, and conventional guns or missiles.