(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In what appears to be an effort to avoid antagonizing its primary ally, the United States, Jordan has reportedly acquired multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) from China in a “discreet” manner.
The acquisition of the SR5 and WM-120 rocket systems, manufactured by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), has raised numerous questions about the military relationship between Jordan and China.
This development is particularly intriguing given that Jordan is known to be one of the closest allies of the United States in the Middle East.
Washington provides Amman with billions of dollars in military aid annually.
The move also signifies China’s growing capability to penetrate the defense market in a Middle Eastern country that is widely recognized as a staunch ally of the United States.
Traditionally, Jordan has been a buyer of American and European-made weapon systems.
China and its defense companies are increasingly making inroads into the Middle Eastern arms market, which has historically been dominated by the United States and its European allies.
One by one, Middle Eastern countries are becoming buyers of Chinese-made weapons, a trend that is expected to grow in the coming years if Washington continues its unwavering support for Israel and turns a blind eye to the regime’s oppression of Palestinians.
For China, this represents an opportunity to become a major geopolitical player in the Middle East, providing competition to the United States.
Although the acquisition of these MLRS systems has not been officially announced, the Royal Jordanian Artillery Corps has released a video showcasing Jordan’s latest military assets, the SR-5 and WM-120 rocket systems.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Jordan acquired four units of the WM-80 MLRS in 2010, and the acquisition of the WM-120 indicates that Jordan has obtained the latest variant of these Chinese rocket systems.
The WM-120 MLRS, newly developed by China and based on the WM-80 system, features several improvements over its predecessor.
With a caliber of 273mm and utilizing solid fuel, the WM-120 can strike targets up to 120km away (maximum) and 34km (minimum), with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 20 meters.
Its guidance system includes both inertial guidance and a global positioning system (GPS).
Meanwhile, the SR5 MLRS can launch rockets with calibers of 122mm and 220mm, providing flexibility and adaptability on the battlefield.
This capability allows the system to be deployed in various combat scenarios, making it a valuable asset for the Jordanian military.
Mounted on a 6×6 vehicle, the SR5 MLRS offers mobility, enabling rapid deployment to conflict zones, a critical feature in modern warfare where speed and flexibility are paramount.
The SR5 system can hit targets up to 70km away, thereby enhancing the artillery capabilities of the Jordanian ground forces. – DSA