![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Albanian_soldier.jpg/220px-Albanian_soldier.jpg)
The GK80 (Chinese: GK80钢盔) is a Chinese steel combat helmet first developed in the late 1960s. Developed as part of a Chinese military aid to Albania in response to the Sino-Soviet split, the helmet was initially designated as the "Type 69" and was only issued in small numbers within the People's Liberation Army. An improved design was re-designated as the GK80 and was adopted as the standard combat helmet of the PLA in 1980. The move was part of a PLA modernization program immediately after encountering drawbacks in the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979, which the PLA realized the necessity to modernize its arsenal.[1]
The GK80 in PLA service is being replaced by the aramid construction QGF02/03 helmets.[1]
Users
Albania
China
Yemen
Kachin Independence Army
United Wa State Army
National Democratic Alliance Army
Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army
Sahrawi People's Liberation Army
References
- ^ a b Lai, Benjamin (14 July 2016). The Dragon's Teeth: The Chinese People's Liberation Army - Its History, Traditions, and Air Sea and Land Capability in the 21st Century. Casemate. ISBN 9781612003894.