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China’s military
ChinaMilitary

China’s military puts advanced rocket launch system to the test at high altitude

  • PLA said to have used PCL191 to hit a target several kilometres away during recent test at a desert shooting range
  • It was reported on state television as China and India began another round of talks on their protracted border stand-off

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The PLA recently tested its advanced rocket launch system at high altitude. Photo: CCTV
Minnie Chan
China’s military has put the precision strike capability of its new rocket launch system to the test at high altitude, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
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The People’s Liberation Army used the PCL191 multiple launch rocket system – which is mounted on a truck – to hit a target several kilometres away at a desert shooting range in the west of China during a recent test, Sunday’s report said.
It was reported on state television as the PLA and Indian Army began a 16th round of talks to resolve a protracted border stand-off in the Ladakh region, where at least 20 Indian and four Chinese troops were killed in 2020 – the worst clash on the disputed border in decades.
The PCL191 multiple launch rocket system reportedly hit a target several kilometres away during the test. Photo: CCTV
The PCL191 multiple launch rocket system reportedly hit a target several kilometres away during the test. Photo: CCTV

Military analysts said the recent test aimed to show the PLA’s firepower and combat-readiness for any border contingencies.

The advanced, long-range rocket launch system made its public debut at China’s National Day parade in October 2019.

According to Chinese military magazine Modern Ships, it can carry eight 370mm (14½ inch) rockets – each with a range of 350km (220 miles) – or two 750mm Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missiles – each capable of flying up to 500km.

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Zhou Chenming, a researcher with the Yuan Wang military science and technology think tank in Beijing, said the range of the rocket launch system had been extended to 500km. That would mean it could hit any Indian military base along the Line of Actual Control – the de facto boundary – from Chinese-controlled territory.

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