China reinforces artillery capabilities with new Dongfeng EQ2050 rocket launcher variant.

As reported by the Telegram account China Army on November 19, 2024, Dongfeng EQ2050 armored vehicles in service with the PLA Western Command have been observed equipped with a rotating 16-barrel rocket launcher. Recent reports suggest that China is testing the integration of various combat modules and rocket launcher systems on existing vehicles. This operational approach emphasizes mobility and maneuverability, enabling rapid deployment: vehicles arrive, fire, and promptly vacate the position.
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This new MLRS could enable the remote deployment of smoke munitions to obscure troop movements or provide cover during air raids, as well as launching incendiary munitions to target personnel or equipment. (Picture source: Telegram/China Army)

This multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) appears related to an earlier version observed in 2020. During a live-fire artillery exercise conducted by the 77th Group Army at an altitude of 4,500 meters, a 16-tube rocket launcher was mounted on a Mengshi chassis. The launcher was identified as part of the chemical defense units. The Mengshi chassis, introduced in 2008, has a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, a range exceeding 600 kilometers, and the ability to climb 60% grades. While widely used across the PLA, it is being phased out in some roles due to relatively weak armor. The launcher platform includes a stabilizing jack at the rear to ensure firing stability.

The 16-tube rocket launcher consists of two rows of fixed directional tubes mounted on a turntable with electric elevation and steering mechanisms. It supports both manual and remote aiming, as evidenced by videos showing soldiers using a manual sight and an LCD screen for targeting. The platform utilizes the Dongfeng Mengshi chassis and is primarily linked to chemical defense operations, deploying explosive, incendiary, and smoke munitions.

The system's design is based on the FHJ01 62mm individual rocket launcher, first developed in 1983 and introduced into service in 1985. The FHJ01 features a double-tube design and is equipped with optical sights for engaging targets within 500 meters. It can fire three types of rockets: the FYD02 smoke bomb, the FRS02 incendiary bomb, and the 84-type incendiary bomb. The FYD02 creates a 25-meter-wide smoke screen lasting over 30 seconds, interfering with infrared targeting and causing physical irritation. The FRS02 contains a flammable agent with a burn radius exceeding 8 meters, while the 84-type delivers phosphorus-based effects over an 80-square-meter area. These rockets share similar structures, including safety fuses and folding tail fins.

The Mengshi-based launcher extends the range and accuracy of these munitions beyond the original FHJ01’s 800-meter range. Modifications include lengthened directional tubes and enhanced rocket engines, improving precision. A 2012 military newspaper article highlighted tests of vehicle-mounted chemical defense rockets, which aimed to improve mobility and response times. The platform was designed to integrate legacy handheld rockets into a vehicle-mounted system.

Advancements have also been made in ammunition technology. Researchers developed a combustion agent to address incomplete fuel combustion at low temperatures and introduced an electronic time fuze. This fuze calculates detonation timing automatically, enhancing accuracy and operational flexibility. Operational footage shows the rocket launcher being deployed during exercises, including those conducted by the Tibet Military Region. One video revealed a technical issue where a roof hatch was not properly secured during firing, resulting in misalignment. However, the rockets’ safety mechanisms prevented further complications.

The platform enables the remote deployment of smoke munitions to obscure troop movements or provide cover during air raids. It can also launch incendiary munitions to target personnel or equipment. However, the system’s range and rocket caliber remain limited. Adjustments to these parameters could enhance its utility in future operations.