SR5-FL60A integrated combat system Photo: Yang Sheng/GT

In addition to aircraft and aviation products, ground force weapon systems have also garnered significant attention at the Airshow China 2024, with the launch of a new combat system combining cluster loitering ammunition with a long-range multiple rocket launcher by the China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) at the event.

NORINCO, China's leading tank and armored vehicle manufacturer, has drawn numerous foreign military delegates to come to their exhibition hall, and at a press conference on Wednesday, NORINCO unveiled details about a series of new weapons and a combat system designed to form a brigade combat team with enhanced intelligence and information capabilities, including armored vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, and drones, and one of which is the innovative SR5-FL60A integrated combat system, which combined SR-5 multiple rocket launcher with FL60A cluster loitering ammunition. 

Cheng Ziheng, an expert at NORINCO, said at the event that combining the tactical capabilities of the cluster loitering ammunition—such as loitering, interdiction, area lockdown, and initial assault, with the firepower attack capability of the rocket launcher, the closed-loop capabilities of the system, including reconnaissance and targeting, area lockdown, identifying and engaging key targets, pursuing and neutralizing fleeing targets, and evaluating combat effectiveness, have been greatly improved.

The FL60A has a control radius exceeding 100 kilometers. Utilizing a networked combat mode that integrates command unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and attack UAVs, it features extensive reconnaissance and lockdown capabilities, efficient destructive power, and high accuracy, said Cheng.

SR5-FL60A integrated combat system, combining the attributes of missiles, rockets, and loitering ammunition, can autonomously achieve the "OODA" (Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act) closed-loop process without additional support, Cheng noted.

Military experts said that cluster loitering ammunition has seen widespread use in ongoing conflicts worldwide, as they essentially function as explosive-laden drones, while China has a clear advantage in both drone and multiple rocket launcher development and production, so if the two weapons can be effectively combined into one system, they could offer a strategic advantage in accurately targeting and eliminating hostile forces in both current and future warfare.