China boosts combat power with ASN-301 loitering munition launcher vehicle after Ukraine war lessons.

As reported by Jesus Roman on November 29, 2024, China has developed a new variant of the FAW MV3 6x6 truck to carry and launch the recently unveiled ASN-301 loitering munition. This vehicle has been adapted to carry and launch six units per vehicle, further enhancing the People's Liberation Army Ground Force's (PLAGF) operational capabilities. The development of the ASN-301 launcher is part of a broader trend in the domain of loitering munitions, with a renewed focus on the rapid deployment of loitering munitions by specialized vehicles.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The development of this ASN-301 mobile launcher is part of a broader trend in the domain of loitering munitions, with a renewed focus on the rapid deployment of loitering munitions by specialized vehicles. (Picture source: Norinco)

The ASN-301, a loitering munition system, was previously displayed at the World Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Also known as the Norinco JWS-01 and Feilong 300A, it is designed to engage radar systems operating in the frequency range of 2 to 16 GHz. The system combines features of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with the strike capabilities of anti-radiation missiles. Its architecture and operational characteristics have drawn comparisons to systems such as the Israeli Harpy, acquired by China in the 1990s, and the Iranian Shahed-136, with observations pointing to shared design elements and technical similarities. While the ASN-301 is shorter in length than the Harpy and has a shorter operational range, it features a higher maximum speed and compact dimensions.

According to the manufacturer, the ASN-301 is an electronic countermeasure system designed for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) and DEAD (Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses) missions. It targets and neutralizes radar-based defense systems. Its introduction on a mobile platform like the MV3 truck increases its deployment flexibility, reflecting a focus on operational adaptability. The system's specifications include a length of 2.5 meters, a weight of 135 kilograms, a maximum speed of 220 kilometers per hour, and an operational range of 288 kilometers. The ASN-301 can remain airborne for up to four hours and identify targets within a 25-kilometer radius using its radar-homing device. It is capable of engaging up to eight predefined radar targets. Its warhead contains 7,000 fragments, triggered by a non-contact laser fuse, achieving a destructive radius of 20 meters.

In recent years, several countries have developed loitering munitions replicating or inspired by the Iranian Shahed-136. China has introduced the DFX-50 and DFX-100 loitering munitions, featuring similar designs but with varying ranges and payloads for cost-efficient operations. Russia has domestically produced the Geran-2, a variant of the Shahed-136, incorporating modifications such as the GLONASS satellite navigation system to enhance its capabilities. Belarus has localized production of the Shahed-136 under the name "Nomad," showcased during the 2024 Independence Parade in Minsk. Turkey has created the Azab T150 and T200 drones, modeled on the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136, with reduced ranges and GPS-guided targeting capabilities. Israel has produced the Delta-wing RS2 for training purposes, simulating enemy tactics for air defense enhancement. Additionally, Ukraine uses a Shahed replica named "Hupalo" for air defense training, providing realistic conditions to improve operational readiness.

The appeal of loitering munitions such as the ASN-301 lies in their lower production costs and simpler designs enable large-scale manufacturing and deployment, allowing forces to challenge defenses and conduct targeted strikes without involving manned aircraft. (Picture source: Norinco)

The appeal of loitering munitions lies in their ability to remain over target areas, facilitating real-time reconnaissance and the engagement of time-sensitive or relocatable targets. Their lower production costs and simpler designs enable large-scale manufacturing and deployment, allowing forces to challenge defenses and conduct targeted strikes without involving manned aircraft. This combination of cost-effectiveness, operational adaptability, and functionality has made loitering munitions like the Shahed-136 a consideration for various military forces globally.

Furthermore, China's integration of the ASN-301 on the FAW MV3 chassis exemplifies how specialized vehicles are being developed to deploy such systems. Israel’s PULS system is capable of launching six SkyStriker loitering munitions per container, with a range exceeding 100 km. China’s CH-901 loitering munition can be deployed from vehicles equipped with 48-tube launchers, facilitating rapid deployment. In the United States, AeroVironment’s Switchblade series offers portable loitering munitions that can be launched from various vehicles, supporting different operational scenarios. These examples indicate a global approach to integrating loitering munitions with diverse launch platforms.

Russia’s Multiple Launch Drone System (MLDS), mounted on a Kamaz 5350 Patrol vehicle, includes 16 containers that can deploy up to 64 Lancet drones for coordinated operations. China’s Dongfeng Mengshi vehicles feature 48-tube launchers for FPV kamikaze drones, enabling on-the-move deployment. South Korea has integrated the Drone Multiple Launchers system with the Chunmoo MRLS and L-SAM systems for mission-specific modularity. Israel's SpearUAV MCL Viper system allows drone deployment from vehicles for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance (ISTAR), and electronic warfare purposes. The U.S. Navy’s LOCUST program employs tube launchers for deploying swarms of expendable drones, aimed at countermeasure applications.

China has closely analyzed the extensive deployment of loitering munitions in the Ukraine conflict, recognizing their role in targeting armored vehicles and disrupting supply chains. This has led to efforts to enhance the autonomy and precision of its own loitering munitions. The conflict has also highlighted the operational advantages of mobile and rapidly deployable systems, prompting the development of versatile mobile launch platforms designed to operate across varied terrains. These adjustments aim to integrate loitering munitions into China's military strategies to improve response capabilities in future scenarios.