China Strengthens Xinjiang Uyghur Firepower... Deploys Anti-Aircraft Missiles and More

Mass Deployment of HQ-17A, PCL-181, and PHL-11 Wheeled Weapons Showcased at 2019 Military Parade
Stated to Protect National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese state media reported that advanced weapons, including the HQ-17A surface-to-air missile, have been massively deployed in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo by Baidu Capture

The Global Times reported on the 19th that the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Xinjiang Military District recently deployed a large number of advanced weapons, including the HQ-17A short-range surface-to-air missile, the PCL-181 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer, and the PHL-11 122mm multiple launch rocket system.

The media introduced the HQ-17A short-range surface-to-air missile as the most advanced weapon showcased at China's National Day military parade in 2019. This wheeled weapon is equipped with radar, allowing it to launch missiles at targets even while on the move. The missile's maximum range is reported to be 15 km.

The media also explained that the PCL-181 155mm wheeled howitzer is a new Chinese weapon first revealed at the 2019 military parade. Unlike the existing main Chinese howitzers weighing 40 tons, the PCL-181 reportedly weighs 25 tons. It can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h while carrying 27 shells. The PCL-181 has mainly been deployed near the India border region but appears to have now been expanded to the Xinjiang Uygur area.

Photo by Baidu Capture

The Global Times added that the deployment of the PHL-11 multiple launch rocket system has enhanced the combat power of the People's Liberation Army in the Xinjiang region. China announced last year that it would deploy new weapons to strengthen border defenses, including those near India.

However, it is not known whether the recent firepower reinforcement in the Xinjiang Military District is aimed at the border area of Ladakh, India, or is intended to prepare for the unstable situation in Afghanistan.

The Global Times cited military experts who analyzed that the recent reinforcement of forces and firepower in the Xinjiang region is the practical deployment of advanced weapons to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.