The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has released a new video showing soldiers conducting live-fire exercises using the Type 74 flamethrower.

In the footage, PLA personnel are observed operating the Type 74 flamethrower, a man-portable infantry weapon specifically designed for close combat scenarios and bunker-clearing operations. 

The Type 74 flamethrower fires thickened gasoline and can discharge twice before needing a reload, with each shot reaching roughly 45 meters. In the video, soldiers were also shown firing the flamethrower from another soldier’s shoulder. The weapon includes a built-in delay of two to three seconds between trigger pull and fuel expulsion, creating significant recoil that typically necessitates firing from a prone position for stability.

🇨🇳 China’s PLA is now training soldiers with flamethrowers —
intensifying combat drills for close-quarters and bunker warfare.

Footage shows troops practicing with live fire under battlefield conditions. pic.twitter.com/fh57yP6HeQ

— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) July 15, 2025