People’s Liberation Army

People’s Liberation Army
Theaters
Uniform	Type 07 Digital Camouflage

“	The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is the primary armed force of the People's Republic of China and the largest military force in the world today. Sweeping reforms over several decades have sought to modernize and build counters to peer threats, while expanding capacity for maritime power projection.	„
	~ In-game description

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is a playable faction in Squad. This faction is the 10th playable faction and the eighth conventional army featured in the game.

History

The People’s Liberation Army, originally called the Chinese Red Army, encompasses mainland China’s land, sea, and air forces and is the largest military force in the world.^[1] People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) is the land warfare branch of the PLA.

Flag

The flag representing the People’s Liberation Army in Squad is the flag of August 1st. It consists of a red background with a yellow star at the canton, alongside the Chinese numerals for "8" and "1" (八一), which is the date of the PLA's establishment on August 1, 1927.

Kits and equipment

Role Type	Role	Primary Weapon	Secondary Weapon	Explosives	Smoke Grenades	Medical Supplies	Addtl. Equipment
Command and Support	Squad Leader	QBZ95-1, 7 mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	Type 86P Fragmentation, 2 grenades	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades DFS161 Smoke Red, 1 grenade DFS161 Smoke Blue, 1 grenade	Field Dressing, 2 packages	Type 95 Binoculars Rally Point
		QBZ95-1 + Holo Sight, 7 mags		Type 86P Fragmentation, 2 grenades
		QBZ95-1 + YMA600, 6 mags		Type 86P Fragmentation, 1 grenade
	Lead Crewman	QBZ95B-1, 2 mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	—	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	Type 95 Binoculars Vehicle Repair Tools Rally Point
	Lead Pilot	QBZ95B-1, 2 mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	—	DSF161 Smoke Red, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	Type 95 Binoculars Vehicle Repair Tools Rally Point
	Medic	QBZ95-1, 7 mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	Type 86P Fragmentation, 1 grenade	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades DSF161 Smoke Blue, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 9 packages Medical Kit	WJQ308 Type 95 Binoculars
	Medic	QBZ95-1 + YMA600, 6 mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	—		Field Dressing, 9 packages Medical Kit	WJQ308
	Crewman	QBZ95B-1, 2 mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	—	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenade	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308 Type 95 Binoculars Vehicle Repair Tools
	Pilot	QBZ95B-1, 2 mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	—	DSF161 Smoke Red, 2 grenade	Field Dressing, 2 packages	Type 95 Binoculars Vehicle Repair Tools
Direct Combat	Rifleman	QBZ95-1, 7 mags	QNL95 Bayonet	Type 86P Fragmentation, 2 grenades	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308 Ammo Bag Type 95 Binoculars
		QBZ95-1 + Holo Sight, 7 mags		Type 86P Fragmentation, 2 grenades			WJQ308 Ammo Bag Type 95 Binoculars
		QBZ95-1 + YMA600, 6 mags		Type 86P Fragmentation, 1 grenade			WJQ308 Ammo Bag
	Grenadier	QBZ95-1 QLG10, 7 mags	QNL95 Bayonet	QLG10 High Explosive, 10 rounds	QLG10 Smoke Marker White, 2 rounds QLG10 Smoke Marker Blue, 2 rounds QLG10 Smoke Marker Red, 2 rounds	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308 Type 95 Binoculars
	Automatic Rifleman	QJB95-1, 8 drum mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	Type 86P Fragmentation, 1 grenade	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenade	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308 Type 95 Binoculars
Fire Support	Automatic Rifleman	QJB95-1 + YMA600, 8 drum mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	—	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308
	Light Anti-Tank	QBZ95-1 + Holo Sight, 7 mags	QNL95 Bayonet	DZJ08 Multipurpose Assault Munition, 1 rocket Type 86P Fragmentation, 2 grenades	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308 Type 95 Binoculars
	Light Anti-Tank	QBZ95-1 + YMA600, 6 mags	QNL95 Bayonet		DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308
	Marksman	QBU88, 9 mags	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	—	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308 Type 95 Binoculars
Specialist	Machine Gunner	QJY88 + YMA95, 6 ammo boxes	QSZ92, 2 mags QNL95 Bayonet	—	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenade	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308
	Heavy Anti-Tank	QBZ95B-1, 4 mags	QNL95 Bayonet	PF98 Tandem High Explosive Anti Tank, 1 round PF98 Multipurpose High Explosive Incendiary, 1 round	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308 Type 95 Binoculars
	Combat Engineer	QBZ95-1 + Holo Sight, 4 mags	QNL95 Bayonet	TNT (30s Fuze), 1 block Type 72 Anti-Tank Mine, 3 mines	DSF161 Smoke White, 2 grenades	Field Dressing, 2 packages	WJQ308 Vehicle Repair Tools Sandbags Razor Wire Type 95 Binoculars
Miscellaneous	Recruit	QBZ95-1, 1 mag	—	—	—	Field Dressing, 1 package	WJQ308
Miscellaneous	Unarmed	—	—	—	—	—	—

In-game Equipment

The People’s Liberation Army uses modern Chinese weaponry with proprietary design, typical of the PLA during the early 2010s. The infantry weapons are based on the Chinese QBZ95 series and its derivatives, with their iconic bullpup layout. The heavy anti-tank kit is equipped with a unique launcher with a laser rangefinder.

The PLA vehicles are versatile, maneuverable, and adequately armored, including amphibious tracked IFVs, wheeled IFVs, and open-top APCs. The faction has multiple high-tier IFVs, such as the wheeled ZBL08 and the tracked ZBD04A, with both featuring guided missiles. It also has transport trucks with open-top machine guns.

Weapons

Small Arms

QBZ95-1 - Bullpup Rifle
QBZ95B-1 - Bullpup Carbine
QJB95-1 - Automatic Rifle
QJY88 - Medium Machine Gun
QBU88 - Designated Marksman Rifle
QSZ92 - Pistol

Grenades and Launchers

DSF161 - Smoke Grenade
Type 86P - Fragmentation Grenade
QLG10 - Underbarrel Grenade Launcher
DZJ08 - Rocket Launcher
PF98 - Rocket Launcher

Emplacements

QJZ89 - Heavy Machine Gun
HJ-8L - Anti-Tank Guided Missile Launcher
PP87 - Mortar

Equipment

QNL95 - Bayonet
WJQ308 - Entrenching Tool
Type 72 - Anti-Tank Mine
TNT - Explosive
Type 95 Binoculars - Binoculars

Vehicles

Land Vehicles

CTM131 Transport QJY88 - Truck
CTM131 Transport QJZ89 - Truck
CTM131 Logistics - Truck
CSK131 QJY88 - Light Vehicle
CSK131 QJZ89 - Light Vehicle
CSK131 QJC88 RWS - Light Vehicle
CSK131 HJ-8 - Tank Hunter
ZSL10 - Armored Personnel Carrier
ZBL08 - Infantry Fighting Vehicle
ZBL08 HJ73C - Infantry Fighting Vehicle
ZBD04A - Infantry Fighting Vehicle
ZTZ99A - Main Battle Tank

Boats

RHIB Transport - Boat
RHIB Logistics - Boat
RHIB QJY88 - Boat
RHIB QJZ89 - Boat

Aircraft

Z-8G - Helicopter
CH-4A UAV* - Reconnaissance Drone
JH-7A Flying Leopard* - Close Air Support

*Commander Asset

Units

161st Air Assault Brigade
With its origins dating back to the 31st Regiment of the Central Hebei Military Region, established in July 1944, this brigade boasts a rich heritage. Today, it stands as the 161st Air Assault Brigade, specializing in rapid deployment and air assault operations.
Air Assault	Specializations: Addtl. Helicopters Addtl. ATGM Emplacement
Air Assault - Offense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 2× CSK131 QJY88 3× CSK131 QJZ89 1× CSK131 QJC88 RWS 1× ZTZ99A (30 min.Delayed)	3× Z-8G	1× RHIB QJY88 1× RHIB Logi. 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 2× HJ-8 2× Mortar 1× HAB
Air Assault - Defense
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

195th Heavy Combined Arms Brigade
The 195th Combined Arms Brigade of the PLA boasts a rich history, tracing its roots to the First Armored Unit established in February 1949. Initially equipped with Japanese Type 97 and American M3A3 Stuart tanks, it was the first armored unit in the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Today, the brigade operates advanced ZTZ-99 Main Battle Tanks, showcasing its commitment to modernization. It has transitioned into a heavy armor and mechanized formation, solidifying its role as a formidable component of the Chinese military.
Armored	Specializations: Addtl. MBTs
Armored - Offense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 2× ZSL10 2× ZBD04A 2× ZTZ99A	1× Z-8G (20 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 1× HJ-8 2× Mortar 1× HAB
Armored - Defense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 1× CTM131 Logi. (Forward Spawn) 2× ZSL10 2× ZBD04A (10 min.Delayed) 1× ZTZ99A (10 min.Delayed) 1× ZTZ99A (20 min.Delayed)	1× Z-8G (15 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 2× Mortar 1× HAB

118th Combined Arms Brigade
118th Combined Arms Brigade is a medium combined arms unit in the People's Liberation Army Ground Force. This brigade accomplished 6 "Firsts" in the PLA history after its creation as the 1st Brigade of Shandong Column, Eighth Route Army in 1940, and coined its reputable nickname "Rainstorm Troops".
Combined Arms	Specializations: Balanced Roster
Combined Arms - Offense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 2× CSK131 QJZ89 1× CSK131 QJC88 RWS 2× ZBL08 HJ-73C 1× ZBD04A 1× ZTZ99A (15 min.Delayed)	2× Z-8G (6 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 1× HJ-8 2× Mortar 1× HAB
Combined Arms - Defense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 1× CTM131 Logi. (Forward Spawn) 2× CSK131 QJZ89 1× CSK131 QJC88 RWS 2× ZBL08 HJ-73C (10 min.Delayed) 1× ZBD04A (10 min.Delayed) 1× ZTZ99A (15 min.Delayed)	1× Z-8G (15 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 2× Mortar 1× HAB
Combined Arms - Offense (Medium Layer)
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 2× CSK131 QJZ89 1× CSK131 QJC88 RWS 1× ZBD04A	—	—	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 1× HJ-8 1× Mortar 1× HAB
Combined Arms - Defense (Medium Layer)
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 2× CSK131 QJZ89 1× CSK131 QJC88 RWS 1× ZBD04A (10 min.Delayed)	—	—	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 1× Mortar 1× HAB
Combined Arms (Small Layer)
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 2× CSK131 QJZ89 1× CSK131 QJC88 RWS	—	—	1× HAB

149th Mountain Infantry Brigade
The 149th Combined Arms Brigade, also known as the "Two Not Afraid" Brigade, is a combined arms brigade in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Army that focuses on mountain, light infantry, and urban operations. The brigade's motto is: First, not afraid of hardship, second, not afraid of death.
Light Infantry	Specializations: Addtl. Light Vehicles Addtl. Armor Hunters Addtl. ATGM Emplacement
Light Infantry - Offense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 2× CSK131 QJY88 2× CSK131 QJZ89 2× CSK131 QJC88 RWS 2× CSK131 HJ-8 1× ZTZ99A (20 min.Delayed)	1× Z-8G	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 2× HJ-8 2× Mortar 1× HAB
Light Infantry - Defense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 1× CTM131 Logi. (Forward Spawn) 2× CSK131 QJY88 2× CSK131 QJZ89 2× CSK131 QJC88 RWS 2× CSK131 HJ-8 (10 min.Delayed) 1× ZTZ99A (30 min.Delayed)	1× Z-8G (6 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 1× HJ-8 2× Mortar 1× HAB

112th Medium Combined Arms Brigade
112th Combined Arms Brigade is a medium combined arms unit in the People's Liberation Army Ground Force. It's history can be traced back to the PingJiang Uprising Regiment created in 1928 by the former Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. As PLA's first ever mechanized brigade that gets digitized, this brigade is always prioritized when the most advanced heavy weapon equipments is deployed within PLAGF, thus dubbed an unofficial nickname "richass brigade".
Motorized	Specializations: Addtl. APCs Wheeled Armor Priority
Motorized - Offense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 2× CSK131 QJZ89 2× ZSL10 3× ZBL08 HJ-73C 1× ZTZ99A (15 min.Delayed)	1× Z-8G (6 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 1× HJ-8 2× Mortar 1× HAB
Motorized - Defense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 2× CTM131 Logi. 1× CTM131 Logi. (Forward Spawn) 2× CSK131 QJZ89 2× ZSL10 2× ZBL08 HJ-73C (10 min.Delayed) 1× ZTZ99A (15 min.Delayed)	1× Z-8G (10 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 2× Mortar 1× HAB

80th Support Brigade
The origins of the 80th Combat Brigade can be traced to the East China Sea Independent Regiment, a part of the 18th Group Army of the National Revolutionary Army, Jiaodong Military Region, established on July 1, 1942. This unit made significant contributions during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, where it achieved a remarkable victory by defeating the 31st Regimental Combat Team of the US Army. It was during this battle that the brigade derived its emblem, signifying its valor and historical significance. Today, the 80th Combat Brigade functions as a critical support brigade, specializing in sustainment operations to ensure the operational readiness of military forces.
Support	Specializations: Addtl. Logi Trucks Addtl. ATGM Emplacement Addtl. HAB Enemy Intel
Support - Offense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 3× CTM131 Logi. 2× CSK131 QJY88 2× CSK131 QJZ89 2× ZSL10 1× ZBL08 HJ-73C 1× ZTZ99A (20 min.Delayed)	2× Z-8G (10 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 2× HJ-8 2× Mortar 2× HAB
Support - Defense
Vehicles	Aircraft	Boats	Emplacements
1× CTM131 QJZ89 (6 min.Delayed) 2× CTM131 QJZ89 3× CTM131 Logi. 1× CTM131 Logi. (Forward Spawn) 2× CSK131 QJY88 2× CSK131 QJZ89 2× ZSL10 1× ZBL08 HJ-73C (10 min.Delayed) 1× ZTZ99A (20 min.Delayed)	2× Z-8G (10 min.Delayed)	1× RHIB Logi. 1× RHIB QJY88 2× RHIB QJZ89	2× HMG Tripod 2× HMG Bunker 1× HJ-8 2× Mortar 2× HAB

Trivia

People’s Liberation Army was announced as Pan Asia^PH (placeholder name) on July 21, 2020.^[2]
- According to the developers, the faction has been in development since early 2020, but Covid-19 and remote work delayed its release.^[3]
In October 2021, OWI explained that Pan Asia^PH will be based on the Chinese military around the 2010s.^[4]
People's Liberation Army was released on December 7th, 2022. ^[5]

Media

Gallery

Full Release

PLA Squad Leader surveying the area of operation
A PLA Squad dismounting from Z-8G helicopters
4.0 Steam title card

Roadmap

The first image of a PanAsian soldier

References

[1] SQUAD 4.0 – RED STAR RISING

[2] Roadmap Roll Out!

[3] Squad adds largest military force in the world: the People's Liberation Army of China

[4] October Squad Developer Q&A

[5] SQUAD UPDATE V4.0 RELEASE NOTES

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

People’s Liberation Army

Contents

History

Flag

Kits and equipment

Command and Support

Direct Combat

Fire Support

Specialist

Miscellaneous