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China’s military
ChinaMilitary

China’s new PCL191 multiple launch rocket system casts shadow over Taiwan Strait

  • The ‘mystery’ hardware that appeared without a name at the National Day parade in October is the PLA’s most powerful MLRS ever, experts say
  • System capable of firing eight 370mm rockets 350km or two 750mm ballistic missiles 500km

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China’s new PCL191 multiple launch rocket system is capable of firing ballistic missiles up to 500km. Photo: Handout
Minnie Chan
The multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) that made its public debut at China’s National Day parade on October 1 has been identified as a state-of-the-art piece of weaponry capable of firing both rockets and ballistic missiles, according to a leading military magazine.

A report in the latest issue of Modern Ships also gave the new hardware a name – the Type PCL191 – saying it was a modular launcher based on the AR3 system developed by China for the export market.

Unlike other weapon systems on display in Beijing, which had their names emblazoned along their sides, the Type PCL191 rumbled through the streets of Beijing on the back of heavy-duty trucks with almost complete anonymity.

A commentator for state broadcaster CCTV described it simply as a “self-propelled rocket launcher with precision strike capability”.

Modern Ships went further, saying the modular rocket system can carry eight 370mm (14½ inch) rockets – each with a range of 350km (220 miles) – or two 750mm Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missiles – each capable of flying up to 500km.

While it is not known how many PCL191 units China has, a report by PLA Daily – the mouthpiece of the People’s Liberation Army – said that an MLRS brigade was stationed with the 72nd Group Army in Huzhou, Zhejiang province.

Based on China’s eastern seaboard, the 72nd is one of three active group armies under the Eastern Theatre Command and has priority status in terms of readiness, strength and equipment.

According to a military source, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, a second PCL191 brigade is stationed to the south of Huzhou, in Xiamen, Fujian province, the nearest point on China’s mainland to Taiwan.

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