Australian Army Disguises Abrams Tank as Chinese Type 99 for Training
The Australian Army modified an M1A2 Abrams tank to visually resemble a Chinese Type 99 tank, using PLA-style digital camouflage and dummy fuel tanks. Prepared by B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, it serves as an Opposing Force (OPFOR) platform for the Royal Australian Armored Corps Officer Basic Course at Puckapunyal, Victoria, culminating in Exercise Tungsten Forge/Gauntlet Strike. The move highlights Australia’s focus on preparing for potential high-end conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific, amid a $2.5 billion tank modernization program.
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Australia Paints Frontline M1 Abrams to Mimic Chinese Type 99 Tank for Training
The Australian Army has modified a frontline M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tank to visually resemble a Chinese Type 99 tank. Soldiers from B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment painted the tank in People's Liberation Army digital camouflage and added dummy external fuel tanks to replicate the Type 99's silhouette. The modified tank serves as the opposing force (OPFOR) for the Royal Australian Armored Corps Officer Basic Course at Puckapunyal, Victoria. Unlike the US National Training Center, which uses obsolete hulls for visual modifications, Australia used a current front-line tank that can be easily returned to normal configuration. The training culminates in Exercise Tungsten Forge/Gauntlet Strike, certifying junior officers for mechanized command. The article also notes Australia's LAND 907 Phase 2 program to acquire 75 new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams, replacing older M1A1 tanks, some of which were sold to Ukraine.
Australia Paints Frontline M1 Abrams to Resemble Chinese Type 99 Tank for Training
The Australian Army has modified a front-line M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank to visually resemble a Chinese Type 99 main battle tank. Soldiers from B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment applied PLA digital camouflage and added dummy fuel tanks to mimic the Type 99's silhouette. The tank serves as the opposing force (OPFOR) for the Royal Australian Armored Corps Officer Basic Course at Puckapunyal, Victoria. This contrasts with US practice at Fort Irwin, where obsolete hulls are used for visual modifications. The article also notes Australia's LAND 907 Phase 2 program to acquire 75 new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and the sale of older M1A1 tanks to Ukraine despite US concerns.
Australian Army Disguises M1A2 Abrams as Chinese Type 99 Tank for Training
The Australian Army has unveiled an M1A2 Abrams main battle tank disguised as a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) tank, specifically resembling the Type 99, for use as an Opposing Force (OPFOR) platform during training exercises. The tank, prepared by B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, features a PLA-style four-color digital camouflage scheme and dummy external fuel tanks on the turret rear, mimicking common Russian and Chinese tank design elements. It also bears the meme slogan 'Bing Chilling' on the turret side. The surrogate platform is part of the Royal Australian Armored Corps Officer Basic Course (ROBC), culminating in Exercise Tungsten Forge/Gauntlet Strike. This initiative reflects Australia's growing focus on preparing for high-end conflict in the Indo-Pacific, particularly against China's expanding military capabilities. Australia is currently acquiring 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks under a $2.5 billion deal, with first deliveries in 2024, while also providing 49 older M1A1 tanks to Ukraine.
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Australian Army Unveils Abrams Disguised as Chinese Tank for Training
The Australian Army has revealed an M1A2 Abrams main battle tank modified to visually resemble a Chinese People's Liberation Army Type 99 tank, as part of Opposing Force (OPFOR) training. The tank, prepared by B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, features a four-color PLA-style digital camouflage scheme and dummy external fuel tanks on the turret rear. It will be used in the Royal Australian Armored Corps Officer Basic Course culminating in Exercise Tungsten Forge/Gauntlet Strike. The modification aims to add realism to training, helping troops practice target recognition and vehicle identification against a simulated adversary. Australia is modernizing its armored forces with 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks under a $2.5 billion deal, with first deliveries in 2024, while also providing older M1A1 tanks to Ukraine.
Australian Army Disguises Abrams Tank as Chinese Type 99 for Training Exercises
The Australian Army has unveiled an M1A2 Abrams main battle tank modified to visually resemble a Chinese People's Liberation Army Type 99 tank, as part of Opposing Force (OPFOR) training. The tank, prepared by B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, features a four-color PLA-style digital camouflage scheme and dummy external fuel tanks on the turret rear. It will be used in the Royal Australian Armored Corps Officer Basic Course culminating in Exercise Tungsten Forge/Gauntlet Strike. The modification aims to enhance visual realism for target recognition and battlefield observation training. Australia is modernizing its armored force with 75 new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks under a $2.5 billion deal, while donating older M1A1s to Ukraine. The move underscores Australia's growing emphasis on preparing for potential high-end conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific region.