Infantry Combat Equipment (non-firearm): Vests, Body Armor, NVGs, etc.

[Wrought]

Why do they sent PAP rather than PLA as observers?

They sent both.

 

[gcc]

Probably because the cup earpros quickly get hot and uncomfortable to wear in hot climates and because a lot of people in China still have this baffling attitude that personal safety isn’t a priority.

Personally, I would have suggested that all bases hire one deaf old man as their cleaner so instructors can point to him and tell recruits to protect their ears if they don’t want to be him in 50 years time.

aye
as someone who served in a tropical area, i would have gone full rhodesian light infantry if given the chance

 

[Acauntis]

Looks like Marines. And the fact no one is holding the barrel but still don't have gloves is an improvement.

that handguard will protect against the heat but yeah i get what you mean training with gloves will generally be better

 

[Acauntis]

Have we ever seen PLA special force to wear "Advanced integrated knee pads"?

Old Type 19 uniforms had slots for insertable knee and elbowpads but that uniform cut was unfortunately decommissioned

 

[broadsword]

China unveils next-generation electromagnetic gun with enhanced power and precision; design compact, minimizes shell cases, flash and noise: Chinese expert
By Sun Langchen and Liang RuiPublished: Apr 04, 2026 02:27 PM

China’s latest generation electromagnetic gun Photo: CCTV News
China’s latest-generation domestically developed electromagnetic gun has completed testing, with its performance now meeting operational requirements, according to a report on a test video released by CCTV News on Saturday.

The report added that compared with the previous generation, the new model features a slightly longer barrel, enabling higher projectile speed and more precise power regulation. More importantly, the size and weight of the projectile have been increased, indicating greater kinetic energy and enhanced destructive capability.

Unlike conventional firearms that rely on explosive propellants, the electromagnetic launcher uses battery-stored energy as its power source. It generates electromagnetic force through multi-stage coils to accelerate and launch projectiles. To increase projectile speed requires either extending the electromagnetic track or boosting electromagnetic force, both of which require higher electric current, the report said.

Visually, the new-generation launcher has a compact, boxy design with a clean exterior and modular structure. The barrel measures about 30 centimeters in length, and the weapon is light enough for one-handed operation. Its grip is positioned at the center, with the magazine located at the rear. An electronic display provides real-time information during firing, including battery level, remaining ammunition, and firing mode.

“The new-generation electromagnetic launcher represents the miniaturization, lightweight design, and individual deployment of electromagnetic weapons,” Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Saturday.
“Despite its compact size, it can generate significant destructive force through high kinetic energy, potentially surpassing conventional firearms, while also offering lower ammunition costs. This reflects an important trend in the individualization of high-energy weapons,” Song said.

Song added that China has accumulated extensive experience in electromagnetic technologies, including electromagnetic catapult systems and ongoing research into railguns. “The move toward portability and miniaturization demonstrates continuous improvements in manufacturing capabilities and the evolution of individual weapon systems,” he said. The launcher is capable of higher firing speeds, longer range, and greater power than conventional firearms, making it suitable for targeting specific point objectives.

Military commentator Zhang Xuefeng told CCTV that the electromagnetic gun can precisely control projectile speed by adjusting electric current according to target distance and battlefield conditions. This allows it to better control impact force on the target, reducing the likelihood of over-penetration and potentially lowering lethality while still effectively neutralizing targets.

Zhang also highlighted its stealth advantages: the absence of gunpowder can minimize muzzle flash, smoke, loud gunfire, and shell ejection, enhancing concealment during operation.

“With further improvements in power and precision, such weapons could be deployed in military operations and may replace conventional firearms in certain scenarios. As advancements in high energy-density battery technologies continue, electromagnetic weapons are expected to play an increasingly important role in future warfare,” Zhang said.

 

[wuguanhui]

Has anyone considered combining EM launching over a conventional rifle mechanism? So you have a basic rifle, but can turn on the EM thingy when you want more kinetic energy when you want extra range or penetration.

 

[siegecrossbow]

China unveils next-generation electromagnetic gun with enhanced power and precision; design compact, minimizes shell cases, flash and noise: Chinese expert
By Sun Langchen and Liang RuiPublished: Apr 04, 2026 02:27 PM

China’s latest generation electromagnetic gun Photo: CCTV News
China’s latest-generation domestically developed electromagnetic gun has completed testing, with its performance now meeting operational requirements, according to a report on a test video released by CCTV News on Saturday.

The report added that compared with the previous generation, the new model features a slightly longer barrel, enabling higher projectile speed and more precise power regulation. More importantly, the size and weight of the projectile have been increased, indicating greater kinetic energy and enhanced destructive capability.

Unlike conventional firearms that rely on explosive propellants, the electromagnetic launcher uses battery-stored energy as its power source. It generates electromagnetic force through multi-stage coils to accelerate and launch projectiles. To increase projectile speed requires either extending the electromagnetic track or boosting electromagnetic force, both of which require higher electric current, the report said.

Visually, the new-generation launcher has a compact, boxy design with a clean exterior and modular structure. The barrel measures about 30 centimeters in length, and the weapon is light enough for one-handed operation. Its grip is positioned at the center, with the magazine located at the rear. An electronic display provides real-time information during firing, including battery level, remaining ammunition, and firing mode.

“The new-generation electromagnetic launcher represents the miniaturization, lightweight design, and individual deployment of electromagnetic weapons,” Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Saturday.
“Despite its compact size, it can generate significant destructive force through high kinetic energy, potentially surpassing conventional firearms, while also offering lower ammunition costs. This reflects an important trend in the individualization of high-energy weapons,” Song said.

Song added that China has accumulated extensive experience in electromagnetic technologies, including electromagnetic catapult systems and ongoing research into railguns. “The move toward portability and miniaturization demonstrates continuous improvements in manufacturing capabilities and the evolution of individual weapon systems,” he said. The launcher is capable of higher firing speeds, longer range, and greater power than conventional firearms, making it suitable for targeting specific point objectives.

Military commentator Zhang Xuefeng told CCTV that the electromagnetic gun can precisely control projectile speed by adjusting electric current according to target distance and battlefield conditions. This allows it to better control impact force on the target, reducing the likelihood of over-penetration and potentially lowering lethality while still effectively neutralizing targets.

Zhang also highlighted its stealth advantages: the absence of gunpowder can minimize muzzle flash, smoke, loud gunfire, and shell ejection, enhancing concealment during operation.

“With further improvements in power and precision, such weapons could be deployed in military operations and may replace conventional firearms in certain scenarios. As advancements in high energy-density battery technologies continue, electromagnetic weapons are expected to play an increasingly important role in future warfare,” Zhang said.

In the near term it’s probably more practical for launching grenades. For traditional firearm role the barrel velocity is way too low.

 

[sometimesnaive]

Unlike conventional firearms that rely on explosive propellants, the electromagnetic launcher uses battery-stored energy as its power source. It generates electromagnetic force through multi-stage coils to accelerate and launch projectiles. To increase projectile speed requires either extending the electromagnetic track or boosting electromagnetic force, both of which require higher electric current, the report said.

Just a regular coilgun. Matching any intermediate round in terms of kinetic energy is not possible given current materials and engineering problems such as heat generation. Perhaps we can watch this space in the coming decades though.

Has anyone considered combining EM launching over a conventional rifle mechanism? So you have a basic rifle, but can turn on the EM thingy when you want more kinetic energy when you want extra range or penetration.

No. Any thing with a legitimate boost would be too heavy to carry, too complex to maintain, and offer only marginal gains. You would need I'd say 10 KJ of energy to just add 1KJ of EK for an intermediate at 900m/s via coilgun. Not to mention heat and other stuff from sustained fire. Better to change the ammunition.

In the near term it’s probably more practical for launching grenades. For traditional firearm role the barrel velocity is way too low.

I'm unsure of if the 35mms contain enough steel for coilguns, you might need to add more steel or use sabots if there isn't enough.
Would still be impractically heavy for both infantry and crew served GLs, not to mention potentially frying any electronics inside the grenade.

 

[Aniah]

Just a regular coilgun. Matching any intermediate round in terms of kinetic energy is not possible given current materials and engineering problems such as heat generation. Perhaps we can watch this space in the coming decades though.

No. Any thing with a legitimate boost would be too heavy to carry, too complex to maintain, and offer only marginal gains. You would need I'd say 10 KJ of energy to just add 1KJ of EK for an intermediate at 900m/s via coilgun. Not to mention heat and other stuff from sustained fire. Better to change the ammunition.

I'm unsure of if the 35mms contain enough steel for coilguns, you might need to add more steel or use sabots if there isn't enough.
Would still be impractically heavy for both infantry and crew served GLs, not to mention potentially frying any electronics inside the grenade.

With the speed of things, we will probably get a viable prototype before the 2050s. Perfect for the upcoming IRL Battlestar Galactica.

Regarding the 35mm grenade, couldn't we just replace the combustion part with a small plate of metal if we need more steel, or am I completely wrong here?

 

[enroger]

In the near term it’s probably more practical for launching grenades. For traditional firearm role the barrel velocity is way too low.

Yeah, with coilgun design it will be exponentially harder to get more velocity out of it, to the point of diminishing return. I wonder if some novel design can solve the problem, say helical railgun.

The plus side is battery tech is improving so fast, battery energy density is going to approach gun powder at some point, making gauss rifle a very practical thing, I used to think you'd need to shoulder a battery backpack for this to work.