Kestrel (rocket launcher)
Taiwanese shoulder-launched anti-armor and anti-structure weapon system.
Last updated
The Kestrel (紅隼) is a shoulder-launched weapon system developed by Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. It is used by the Republic of China Armed Forces and the Coast Guard Administration. The launcher is made from fiber reinforced plastic and includes an optical sight with a mount for a night vision scope.
Service history
The Kestrel entered service with the Republic of China Marine Corps in 2015. In 2018 the Republic of China Military Police ordered 445 launchers; by December 2019 they had procured 397 combat systems, 238 test systems and five training simulators. The Coast Guard Administration ordered 84 launchers and 88 simulators in 2019, with many deployed to South China Sea island garrisons by April 2021. The Republic of China Army evaluated it as a replacement for the M72 LAW, ordering 5,000 launchers in 2022 and 5,962 additional launchers in 2023.
Rockets
Development of a High Explosive Squash Head warhead began in 2012; it has been tested against brick walls and reinforced concrete and is effective for creating mouseholes in concrete during urban combat. The HESH rocket has a 150 m range and penetrates 20-60 cm of reinforced concrete.
Did You Know?
- Eleven tests were carried out between 2009 and 2012, and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation occurred in 2013.
More in National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Kestrel (rocket launcher) (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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