Norinco has delivered a batch of anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)Red Arrow HJ-12Eanti-tank missiles to an undisclosed foreign customer. It is the first export contract of the third-generation anti-tank weapon system developed by the Chinese Company China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco). The company did not disclose more details on the deal in the statement, including the name of the buyer, the quantity purchased and the value of the deal. Despite the Covid-19 outbreak Norinco was able to deliver containers carrying the missiles to foreign clients before the scheduled shipment date.
The Red Arrow HJ-12 (Hongjian-12) is a modern, third generation anti-tank missile developed by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). The HJ-12 is a fire-and-forget system utilizing Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) and is capable of being fired within buildings and bunkers due to its soft launch system. Once launched, it will home autonomously onto its target, allowing the operator to immediately take cover or reload to engage another target. The warhead uses a tandem shaped charge design with an estimated penetration capability of up to 1,100 mm (43 in) of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) after penetrating explosive reactive armor.
The Red Arrow HJ-12 is China’s first portable anti-tank missile, increasing the ability of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force to have more modern and mobile infantry forces. It is intended to enable China to match up with anti-tank missile developments made by Western defense companies, like the FGM-148 Javelin and Spike. The missile is also available for export to armies in developing countries that would need to contend with third-generation main battle tanks, but the number of potential buyers is likely small due to its higher cost. The Red Arrow HJ-12 enables soldiers to lock on target, fire and then move on without maintaining position to guide the missile to its target, providing tactical advantages.
