TSAMTO, March 17. On March 8, Chinese state media reported on a new third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) designed to equip the PLA Ground Forces, capable of hitting a target from above.
According to Jane's Defense Weekly, in the military-themed program Weihutang of China Central Television (CCTV), a video was shown, judging by which, the launch of the new ATGM is carried out from the board of a modified armored car CSK181 with a 4x4 wheel formula. The retractable launcher during the tests was equipped with a single missile on a rail guide, although, judging by the size of the PU, it can carry a larger number of ATGMs.
The munition, whose designation was not disclosed, is larger in diameter than the previously demonstrated Chinese-developed ATGMs, and, according to CCTV, is designed to hit lightly and heavily armored targets, including modern main battle tanks.
It is unclear whether the CSK181 was modified only for use as a test bed. CCTV reported that the new ATGM is planned to be placed "on a variety of chassis", including a new infantry fighting vehicle.
CCTV did not disclose further information about the ATGM, including whether it has been adopted or is still in development. At the same time, the state-run Global Times newspaper reported on March 12 that the new weapon system is already being supplied to the PLA.
According to experts, the new missile may belong to the "shot and forget" class and is equipped with a GOS for guidance on the final section of the flight path.
CCTV also showed other newly developed ATGMs, including a Z-10 helicopter-launched missile, as well as, presumably, an HJ-10 (Red Arrow 10) family rocket with an infrared GOS placed on a 4x4 wheeled vehicle.
Reports of the new missile appeared after the Norinco Corporation (China North Industries Corporation) announced in March 2020 that it had completed the delivery of the Red Arrow 12E (Hongjian-12E or HJ-12E) ATGM to a foreign customer. The HJ-12E is an export version of the HJ-12 complex, which is supposed to be in service with the PLA and is the first third-generation "shot and forget" class complex developed in China. It allows you to hit targets of various types, including fortified structures, tanks, ships, helicopters, including a blow from above to the least protected part.
