China-India border tension: PLA’s modified rocket launchers filmed on plateau facing India
- Digital version of the PLA’s truck-mounted PHL-03 long-range multiple rocket launchers deployed to Xinjiang command: CCTV
- New design allows rocket launcher to strike multiple targets simultaneously
China has equipped its border troops facing India with a modified truck-mounted rocket, state media reported.
This unit is stationed on the plateau area, at 5,200-metre (17,000-feet) altitude, where the PLA was involved in a deadly clash with Indian troops in June.
“This rocket is the main assault equipment of artillery troops, which can be used for speedy deployment and seizing and controlling key regions,” the report said. “With its help, the PLA troops will be able to fight in the difficult terrain of plateau, desert and others in all-weather conditions.”
This self-propelled heavy rocket launcher has 12 tubes of 300mm (12-inch) calibre barrels, with a standard 800kg (1,760-pound) rocket each to cover a large area with concentrated firepower from a distance. It has firing range up to 130km (80 miles), and its eight-wheeled truck has a top speed of 60km/h.
The design enables the rocket launcher to be highly mobile and flexible, taking just three minutes to transition from travelling to combat ready, and one minute from standby to emergency mode, CCTV reported.