PLA fields new artillery systems and a ‘Chinese LARC’
A new 122mm multiple rocket launcher based on a FAW 4x4 truck chassis has debuted with a PLA unit in Tibet. (CCTV)
The range of rocket and tube artillery systems in PLA service continues to grow from an already impressive and diverse foundation.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has introduced a 4x4 truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher (MRL) that fires 122mm rockets. Furthermore, a mysterious new wheeled amphibious vehicle has made an appearance.
State-owned CCTV aired a video clip on 24 July showing the new 4x4 MRL debuting in service with a combined-arms brigade of the Tibet Military Command. The vehicles were performing a live-fire exercise on the Tibetan Plateau.
The MRLs, whose nomenclature is not yet known, were operating alongside Dongfeng Mengshi CSK181 protected vehicles and the PCL-161 122mm 4x4 truck-mounted howitzer.
This new MRL employs the same truck chassis as the PCL-161,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement]()
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
![More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme]()
More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme
The Light Mobility Vehicle segment of the UK’s Land Mobility Programme for the British Army may actually be about to make progress, or at least likely bidders seem to think so. Shephard spoke with several contenders who revealed their views on how the army should replace the ageing fleet.
