PHL-03

The PHL-03 is a truck-mounted self-propelled 12-tube 300 mm long-range multiple rocket launcher of the People's Republic of China.

The system is beginning to be replaced by the more modular and newer PHL-16.

Design

The design is based on the Soviet-made BM-30 Smerch rocket artillery system. The main role for this multiple rocket launcher is to engage strategic targets such as large concentrations of troops, airfields, command centres, air defense batteries and support facilities. It is also used to engage in counter-battery fire missions.

The PHL-03 has the same configuration as the original Soviet counterpart with 12 launch tubes for 300 mm artillery rockets, along with a computerised fire-control system (FCS) incorporating GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou.

Rockets

The PHL-03 uses the 300 mm rockets of the BRE family, namely the BRC4, BRE2 and the guided Fire Dragon 140A which have a range of 130 km (81 mi).

A standard weight for each rocket is 800 kg (1,800 lb) with a 280 kg (620 lb) warhead. Maximum firing range is depending on warhead type with around 70–130 km (43–81 mi). Standard warheads are high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG), fuel-air explosive, and cluster warheads with anti-armor and anti-personnel submunitions. Cluster warheads can also carry self-targeting anti-tank munitions. A full salvo of this system could potentially cover an area of up to 67 hectares (170 acres).

In October 2020, it was reported that a new type of rocket was being deployed on the PHL-03 with a range 30 km longer than normal, suggesting a range of 160 km (99 mi).

Operators

 People's Republic of China

• People's Liberation Army Ground Force – 175 systems

 Morocco

• Royal Moroccan Army – 36 systems

 Ethiopia

• Ethiopian Ground Forces – 4
• Tigray Defense Forces

See also

• A-100 (multiple rocket launcher) – lost competition to PHL-03
• M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System

References