Listening outpost

The Listening Outpost represented China's increased commitment to developing surveillance technologies following the driving of the GLA from the Chinese homeland and surrounding regions.

Background
"Tune in to the enemy."

- Listening Outpost

The Listening Outpost could be deployed on the front lines, detecting unit movements over a wide radius, including stealth units. Listening Outposts themselves were stealthed when not moving. Although unarmed, two Tank Hunters were stationed inside each Listening Outpost and could fire from within it, providing some degree of protection.

Game unit
"Did you hear something?"

- Listening Outpost

Listening Outposts became useful for providing forward information for advancing Chinese columns. Following their takeover of much of mainland Europe, the GLA peppered main routes with Demo Traps and pockets of defending units. The Listening Outpost could give advance warning of enemy threats, hopefully without being detected itself. They could also be used effectively as a form of defense for Chinese bases, detecting enemy infiltration and giving enough time for Chinese commanders to respond.

However Listening Outposts were made for reconnaissance, not act as assault units. Chinese commanders needed to keep their Listening Outpost hidden from enemy divisions. Although the on-board Tank Hunters could allow the Listening Outpost to escape individual vehicles, it was no match for concentrated firepower.

Variants
General Shin Fai ordered the development of the Attack Outpost, which as its name suggests was designed for assault missions.