KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia will consider China's proposal to
set up a regional counter-intelligence centre in Johor equipped with radar
surveillance and a missile system.
According to a senior Malaysian government source, the
proposal for the radar and missile system was "lightly touched on"
during talks between Prime Minister Najib Razak and visiting Chinese State
Councillor Wang Yong after the ground-breaking ceremony of the East Coast Rail
Link project in Kuantan on Wednesday (Aug 9).
The Malaysian Insight, a Kuala Lumpur-based news website,
had reported that China would offer Malaysia up to 12 units of the AR3 multiple
launch rocket system (MLRS) at the ceremony.
The report, citing sources, said the offer reflected the
widening defence and trade ties between the two countries........Read rest of article: HERE
AR3 Multiple launch rocket system
The AR3 is a Chinese artillery rocket system, developed
specially for export. It was first revealed in 2011. It seems that the AR3 is
currently the most powerful MLRS in the world.
The main mission for this artillery rocket
system is to engage remote strategic targets, such as airfields, command
centers, support facilities, air defense batteries, large concentrations of
troops and so on. The AR3 is capable of launching conventional rockets, as well
as guided missiles.
It is a multi-caliber rocket system. It is
fitted with two pods with four launcher tubes for 370-mm rockets each, or five
launcher tubes for 300-mm rockets. It seems that 300-mm rocket pods are
interchangeable with the AR1A MLRS. Pods are
factory-fitted and sealed. These are used to store, transport and launch
rockets. A universal MLRS concept offers advantage of faster reloading, simpler
logistics and flexibility. Also pods are easier to maintain.
weaponscollection.com
The 370-mm pods are fitted only with guided
missiles. These missiles have a maximum range of 220 km. Minimum range of fire
is 100 km. Rockets have a CEP of no more than 50 meters. These guided rockets
have capabilities similar that of short-range ballistic missiles.
Various 300-mm rockets with different
warheads are available for this system. These include HE-FRAG, incendiary,
fuel-air explosive, cluster with anti-personnel or anti-tank mines. Cluster
rounds may also carry self-targeting anti-tank munitions. The 300-mm rockets
have a maximum range of 70 - 130 km, depending on the type. Manufacturers
claim, that 300-mm rockets are not compatible with the Russian Smerch rockets,
despite being directly copied from. They also insist that rockets use different
propellant motors and components.
This artillery rocket system is operated by
a crew of three. Crew prepare the launcher vehicle for firing without leaving
the cabin. Preparation for launch takes about 5 minutes. Rockets can be also
launched remotely from the vehicle. Once the rockets are fired vehicle can
leave firing position within 1 minute. Brief redeployment allows to evade
counter-battery fire.
The AR3 is based on Wanshan WS2400 8x8
special wheeled chassis. The same wheeled chassis is used for most recent
Chinese large-caliber multiple launch rocket systems. Vehicle has good
cross-country mobility and can travel over all kinds of rough terrain and
unimproved surfaces. It can operate in various climatic conditions, ranging
from -20°C to +55°C.
Launcher vehicles can operate in battery,
battalion, or autonomously. A battery of AR3 includes launcher vehicles,
reloading vehicles, command post vehicle, meteorological survey vehicle and
other associated support vehicles.
Each launcher vehicle is supported by a
dedicated reloading vehicle, which has a crane and carries pods with reload
rockets. It takes about 20 minutes to reload both pods. Reloading usually takes
place remotely from firing position in order to avoid counter-battery fire.
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