WDS 2022: China unveils new PLZ45A4 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer for Saudi Arabia.

Chinese Defense Company NORINCO unveils the PLZ45A4, the latest version of its PLZ45 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer at World Defense Show 2022 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

New Chinese-made PLZ45A4 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer at World Defense Show 2022 in Saudi Arabia. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Citing information from NORINCO at World Defense Show 2022, the new PLZ45A4 has been specifically designed for the Saudi Arabia armed forces according to the experience gained by the users. In fact, the previous version of the PLZ45 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer is in service with the Saudi Army.

On April 2015, a picture was released on the Internet showing the Saudi army using the PLZ-145 or Type 88 Chinese-made 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer to fight Houthi rebels in Yemen. It was the first deployment of Chinese-made PLZ45 during combat operations.

The PLZ45A4 is based on the same layout as the previous version of the PLZ45 but with a new turret design. According to NORINCO, the PLZ45A4 is fitted with a new fire control system, a new muzzle velocity radar is mounted on the top of the canon which is fitted protection against the wind and the sand. In terms of propulsion, the PLZ45A4 is equipped with a new automatic gearbox.

The PLZ45A4 maintains the firing capabilities of the PLZ45 which is fitted with a 45-caliber 155mm cannon able to fire all NATO standard ammunition. The vehicle uses a semi-automatic loading system with 24 ready to fire ammunition.

The PLZ45 howitzer fires a range of Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB) ammunition, including High Explosive (ERFB/HE), Base Bleed High Explosive (ERFB-BB/HE), ERFB-BB/RA, ERFB/WP, ERFB/Illuminating, ERFB/Smoke, and ERFB-BB/Cargo with a maximum firing range of 39 km. The PLZ45A4 is also able to fire GPS-guided 155 mm projectiles with a maximum firing range of 50 km.

After the World Defense Show 2022, Saudi armed forces have planned to conduct trial tests of the new PLZ45A4 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer.