People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (China)

The People’s Liberation Army Ground Force is the land fighting force of the People’s Republic of China. It is the largest component of the Chinese Armed Forces. It is responsible for the homeland or domestic security of the People’s Republic of China.

India-China joint counterterrorism training exercise held in Pune ...
People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) Personnel. Picture Courtesy: ecns.cn

It had participated in many UN peacekeeping missions, rescue missions, reconnaissance missions, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency missions. PLAGF was founded in 1927 and was officially established in 1948. It is one of the oldest branch of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

PLA reorganises group armies and airborne corps – China Defence Today
PLAGF Personnel during a march-pass. Picture Courtesy: sinodefence.wordpress.com

It owes allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party. PLAGF is the second largest ground force in the world after India. It has 975,000 active duty personnel. It is commanded by the chief of staff of the ground forces. PLAGF headquarters is located in Chinese capital Beijing.

PLAGF is divided into five commands:

  • Western Theater Command
  • Northern Theater Command
  • Central Theater Command
  • Eastern Theater Command
  • Southern Theater Command

When it comes to equipment Summary, PLAGF has 7950 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), 1200 Light Tanks, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), 3300 Armored Personnel Carriers (AFVs), 6246 Towed Artillery, 1710 Self Propelled Artillery, 1770 Rocket Artillery and 1531 SAM (Surface to Air Missiles) systems.

Type 99 Main battle tank
Chinese Type 99 Main Battle Tank. Picture Courtesy: defence.pk

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