A fresh variant of the AFT-10 multi-purpose anti-tank system (ATGM) has begun to enter operational service within the Chinese armed forces. Reports from the Western Combat Command Area, specifically the Tibetan military zone, indicate that combat vehicles equipped with this system have been observed in active deployments. The source behind these claims is the Russian publication known as the Russian newspaper.
The system is engineered to neutralize armored threats on the battlefield, including renowned platforms like the HJ-10 guided missile and the AFT-10 launcher itself. It features advanced defensive measures such as dynamic protection to resist reactive armor and other countermeasures. In addition to defeating tanks, the AFT-10 family is described as capable of destroying fortifications, engineering structures, and both aerial and maritime surface targets. The HJ-10 ATGM has been a staple of China’s arsenal since 2012 and has since been integrated with a range of platforms, including combat helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, and has seen deployment on various self-propelled chassis variants.
Commentary from defense analysts notes that the earliest version of this anti-tank system, developed about a decade ago, was mounted on a ZBD-04A tracked infantry fighting vehicle and featured eight launch containers. The current generation, by contrast, is described as mounted on a light FAW vehicle platform that benefits from an armored cabin and a lighter overall chassis. A notable shift is that a substantial number of launch tubes are now deployed on this new chassis, reflecting changes in mobility and field deployment strategy.
Military experts compare the HJ-10 to the Israeli Spike NLOS, highlighting similarities in guidance concepts and battlefield roles. Recent assessments suggest the range of the HJ-10 has increased beyond earlier marks, extending its reach to longer distances. Analysts also speculate that the missile’s mass distribution may have evolved to accommodate the extended flight profile and the added propulsion required for a greater end-to-end range.
An important capability attributed to the system is its forward-looking imaging capability, which allows operators to lock onto targets and adjust the guidance based on real-time visual data collected during flight. This imaging feature enhances accuracy and enables trajectory corrections during extended engagements. Reports suggest the weapon can perform a climbing maneuver to strike enemy armored vehicles on less protected surfaces such as roofs, where armor is typically thinner, thereby increasing the likelihood of disabling or destroying protected units with a single hit. This tactic underscores the platform’s emphasis on exploiting structural weak points on adversary armor rather than relying solely on direct frontal hits.
In related developments, a separate topic has attracted attention within militarized gaming communities. It was noted that players of an online combat simulation game have sought greater realism by circulating classified or restricted designs of military hardware on public forums. This led to discussions about the accuracy of digital models for various tanks and anti-tank systems on the game’s platform. The development team subsequently removed these materials after responses from multiple national intelligence agencies—three countries were cited as voicing concerns about the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive equipment designs. The episode illustrates how real-world information security concerns can intersect with virtual simulations and player expectations, influencing how military hardware is represented in popular culture and gaming communities.