Chinese AH-4 Howitzer Wins First Middle-East Export Order

China’s indigenously built AH-4 155mm Light-weight Howitzer has secured its first export order from an unidentified Middle-East customer.

According to the current issue of Modern Weaponry magazine, the AH-4 was able to beat out BAE Systems’ M777 howitzer (a 155mm 39 caliber towed gun) for its first win, China Defense Blog reported Sunday.

In many respects, the Chinese AH4 155 mm/39 calibre LGH is very similar in concept to the BAE Systems M777 155 mm/39 calibre Lightweight Howitzer (LH) that is now in service with Australia, Canada, and the US Army and Marine Corps, according to IHS Janes’ July report.

China North Industries Corporation-built AH-4 has a combat weight of 4,500 kg, including its hydro-pneumatic suspension that enables the weapon to be deployed in firing position within three minutes and returned to its towed position in two minutes.

AH4 is also capable of firing its expanded family of 155 mm precision-guided munitions (PGMs). These include the latest 155 mm laser-guided projectile (LGP) GP6, which has a maximum range of 25 km with a first round hit probability of 90% and is capable of engaging stationary and moving targets.