This technically isn't a IFV, it's described as a fire support vehicle. So I guess VLS could be possible.
I don´t know what makes you say that as both things aren´t mutually exclusive. Especially when the AFV in question may carry 6 or 7 dismounts. Though I agree that this is IFV is very special and perhaps meant to fight more like a quarterback rather than dropping infantry right on top of enemy positions.
IFVs were always meant for tank support. What changed over time is what kind of support tanks need. Originally, the only kind of support they brought to tanks were the infantry element (and the IFV organic firepower is meant to support its own infantry). Nowadays the PLA asseses that tanks (and maneuver units in general) also need drone and counter drone support, and this is where the new IFV design starts making sense.
I will explain a bit better: the original soviet IFV doctrine was to avoid as much as possible having the squad to dismount. They would fight on dismounted only if forced by enemy fire. Currently in the war in Ukraine IFVs of both sides ride extremely close to enemy trench lines to drop infantry as near as possible. Sometimes into the trenches themselves. The new IFV I think its meant to drop infantry further back (and stay behind geographical obstacles at all times) and operate exclusively from NLOS. Why do I say that?
- Firstly, I don´t see the new IFV being amphibious capable. Its weight is likely in the 40 tonne range however I don´t think they managed to fit some heavy armor block on its front. Further, its roof protection is just traditional single layer steel. It depends 100 percent on active protection (theres evidence of both soft and hard kill systems) for defeating kamikaze drones and top attack missiles. Its frontal protection may barely be enough to defeat medium caliber autocannon APFSDS and smaller HEAT warheads, and perhaps resulting in mobility kill in the process. So it doesn´t look like its meant to take a punch and keep fighting on.
- Secondly, its firepower is very unique as well. Its main gun looks like the 40mm CT autocannon and that is already excellent for killing everything but tanks and also has airburst munition to kill drones (among other stuff). Further, it seemingly has a radar integrated to the CITV, which makes the IFV capable of detecting and shooting down drones from some kilometers away. This may solve the drone equation not by mounting heavier and heavier armor and cages but being proactive (best defence is ofence). Most critically this allows shooting down the recon quadcopters than can hover with impunity some hundreds meters into the air, undetected by the naked eye while guiding enemy artillery. In other words, this IFV provides full and organic CUAS capability to the tactical group its part of.
- Thirdly, this thing carries 1 and maybe 2 big quadcopters with pretty big sensor package. So the IFV will stay behind having deployed its infantry and will provide excellent situational awareness via its drones and network to the group will also denying that capability to the enemy at the same time.
- Lastly, if the box at the back of the hull is indeed a VLS for ATGMs (likely more than 4 ready to fire), then the IFV will be able to both detect via its own drones or receive targets from friendlies vis network and engage AFVs at NLOS with impunity.
