China debuts container-type anti-ship missile launch system
▶ Weapon can ‘improve defense capabilities of coastal countries’
China’s leading missile developer exhibited a container-type sea defense combat system at the Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province, which could effectively improve the defense capabilities of coastal countries for its outstanding mobility and capability to disguise itself.
At the exhibition hall, the Global Times reporters saw an anti-ship missile launch system in the shape of a container with naval camouflage, which was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), the country’s largest manufacturer of cruise missiles. The container is about 13 meters long, 2.3 meters wide and 2.5 meters high.
The Global Times learned from the corporation that the missile launch system can integrate an operating station, a power station and missile launchers into the container.
A representative from the No.3 Research Institute under the CASIC told the Global Times during the Airshow that the missile launch system, no matter what platform it is mounted on, does not need an external power source. Its own power supply can fully meet the operational needs.
“The launch system can connect with various independent detection and command units such as early warning aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft and shorebased radars. It could receive target information from those external sources through encrypted data,” the representative said.
According to the representative, based on the information from the detection unit, the command unit could formulate a combat plan automatically. The command unit then sends the instructions to the launch system. The detection unit and command unit can also provide operational information support for the launch system. After making some adjustments, the operators then confirm the plan and send the order to each station as well as the firing parameters to each launch unit.
The Global Times learned from the corporation that the missile launch system can be loaded on heavy trucks, becoming a set of maneuverable shore-to-ship missile launching system. It can also be used in the upgrades of old warships.
“This weapon system, if deployed ashore, will effectively enhance a country’s defense capability to safeguard its exclusive economic zone,” the Global Times was told.