China's New Multiple Rocket Launcher Can Fire at Taiwan

China's new multiple rocket launcher (MRL), with a range of 360 kilometers can fire across the Straits of Taiwan with rockets and missiles.

Unveiled at the National Day Parade last month, the system has domestic and export versions with the latter having a lesser range of about 280 kilometers. It is manufactured by 

The MRL can specifically fire the Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missile and TL-7B anti-ship missiles besides rockets in multiple bursts, Chinese media reported.

The new MRL, still not known by its official designation, was developed based on the PHL-03 long-range multiple rocket launcher. It uses an 8x8 wheeled high mobility chassis, weighs 45 tons, and can adapt to temperatures ranging from -22 C to 55 C, Ordnance Industry Science Technology, a Xi'an-based periodical focused on the national defense industry, reported over the weekend.

Unlike the PHL-03, which is loaded with a fixed type of ammunition, the new rocket launcher has two modularized launch cells, and each can carry different types of ammunition, the periodical said, noting that this brings versatility and high efficiency to the weapon.

While the weapon only carried two sets of four 370-millimeter rockets at the parade, the report said it could also switch to two sets of five 300-millimeter rockets, or the combination of the two.

The system has been offered for export, with an export version designated as the AR-3.