History of PLZ-05

The PLZ05 was designed at the beginning of its development to replace the old PLZ83(A) self-propelled howitzers that were then equipped by the People's Liberation Army. Its emergence marked the beginning of the PLA's transition from large-caliber artillery to a 155mm caliber. The PLZ05 was further developed from the export model PLZ45, and while it was equipped with domestically produced engines and gearboxes, it also featured a mechanical loading system similar to the Russian 2S19 Msta-S, as well as auxiliary configurations like a laser rangefinder and an anti-shrapnel lining. The PLZ05 began serving in the People's Liberation Army Ground Force in 2005 and remains a backbone of the artillery units to this day.

The “PLZ-05B”

Recently, a photo of a new type of self-propelled howitzer from China was leaked online. From the image, it can be seen that this tank is very similar to the PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzer and has been fitted with a new vehicle chassis to resolve the performance issues of the original PLZ-05 chassis. It is speculated that this new type of howitzer is an improved version of the PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzer and will replace the PLZ-05 as the main equipment of the People's Liberation Army in the future.


It is speculated that this tank will use an unmanned turret structure, with the crew distributed in the front part of the vehicle, which significantly enhances the survival capability of this tank.

2025.09.03, which just passed, is the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. Let us celebrate this and thank all those who contributed to world peace!