Interesting. 25mm, 40mm . . . the new light tank with 105mm . . . those aren't what I thought of as PLA sizes, and I wonder why they are chosen? How widely exported is this, and what are significant differences with its -99 predecessor? The search radar range would give at best a one-minute warning, probably less than half that in most situations. Is anything known about integrating the -04 in to multi-modal multi-nodal detection and tracking networks for warning, warm-up, and engagement without using the on-board radar, or using it in a passive mode detecting backscatter from more powerful radars?
25x183mm round is China answer of turning the shitty 23x152mm round to a mini Oerlikon GDF 35x228mm round. It extends the caliber/length ratio from 6.6 to 7.3 to compensate weakness of propellent technology in 80s to achieve faster muzzle velocity, flater trajectory and longer range. Another reason China use 25mm in their new 625 SPAA after they have 35mm on PGZ-09 is they can pack few times more smaller caliber 25mm rounds in belt ready for use than the 35mm.
