57mm Type-59 (S-60)

The 57mm Type-59 is a Chinese-produced version of the Soviet S-60 anti-aircraft gun, designed to engage low-flying aircraft. This towed, automatic cannon is widely used by various nations for both air defense and ground support roles.

Developed in the late 1950s through technology transfer from the Soviet Union, the Type-59 entered service with the People's Liberation Army in 1959 to replace aging World War II-era air defense systems. The weapon saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, where it was supplied in large numbers to North Vietnam and proved highly effective against low-altitude American fighter-bombers. It was also widely exported to the Middle East and Africa, seeing action in the Iran-Iraq War and various regional conflicts as a devastating direct-fire asset against infantry and light armor. Although largely phased out of front-line Chinese air defense in favor of missiles, the Type-59 remains in active reserve inventories worldwide and has found a modern niche as a truck-mounted mobile fire support platform.