ABU DHABI--China often doesn’t have a large presence at big defense shows in the U.S. and the European Union, but at events like IDEX in Abu Dhabi, they come loaded with lots of weapons to show off. And this year’s event was no exception, featuring improved laser weapons systems, ship models, and anti-tank missiles on display.
While the items on display ranged from pistols to large-scale armored vehicles, two vehicles stood out. One was Norinco’s Red Arrow 10 vehicle-mounted anti-tank missile, and the other was Poly Defence’s Silent Hunter truck-mounted laser weapons system.
While representatives from both companies declined to comment about the vehicles’ capabilities or export potential, exhibiting the vehicles at a show like IDEX is a sign that China is marketing both to the world, particularly nations in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Norinco Red Arrow 10 anti-tank missile
Manufactured by state-owned Norinco and also known as the HJ-10A, the Red Arrow 10 has 4 different variants of missile, including TV- and infrared-guided anti-tank and anti-fortification types. It can be mounted on a variety of vehicles, including trucks, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. According to a display screen, the weapon is intended for a company-sized formation, with 1 command & reconnaissance type, 6-8 missile launch vehicles and 3-4 transport vehicles with reloads and other supplies. Another display at Norinco’s booth claims the anti-tank variant can penetrate up to 320mm of armor, and fragments can penetrate 7-8mm of armor after detonation. The same display listed the anti-fortification version as being able to destroy reinforced concrete walls that are up to 1.2 meters deep. However, it was not listed whether or not that was the domestic Chinese specifications or those available for export.
The Poly Defence Silent Hunter laser system
A representative at state-owned Poly Defence’s stand told Defense News that the Silent Hunter was capable of generating up to a 30kW beam, targeting small unmanned aerial systems, and other airborne threats. But when asked for further on the record comment, he declined to share any other information. But a display screen next to the vehicle claimed the laser has a maximum range of 4 kilometers at 30kW, and a minimum range of 200 meters at 10kW of power. The laser itself was mounted on a heavy truck, presumably carrying the power-generation and other support needed for the laser. A representative of Poly Defence declined to share exactly why the vehicle was on display and whether or not it was being marketed for export.
Jeff Martin is the Associate Editor for Multimedia and the host & producer of Defense News Weekly, airing online and on American Forces Network worldwide. In his role as Associate Editor, he reports worldwide on the military and defense industry and leads a market-leading multimedia team.
