China NORINCO
PHL-16
An 8x8 wheeled multiple-launch rocket system firing 370 mm guided rockets, giving PLA artillery brigades long-range precision-strike capability. It succeeds the earlier PHL-03 in Chinese and export service, with an export variant marketed as the AR3.
In service since 2019 · 1 operator countries
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-02
90
km/h
650
km range
370
mm gun
39,000
kg
Pricing: Unit cost not publicly disclosed
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
Chinese state channel
State export agencies (NORINCO/CATIC); limited availability to Western-aligned states.
Channel: State export agency
Fielded & proven
Limited · 1 operator
In service since 2019. Status: active.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
No standardised NATO calibre / datalink detected in public specs.
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Max speed Maximum level speed. For aircraft this is at optimal altitude; for ground vehicles, top road speed. Higher means faster response and better kinematic performance. | 90 km/h |
|---|---|
| Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence. | 650 km |
| Rate of fire Rounds per minute (cyclic). Higher increases suppression and hit probability. | 1 rpm |
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
| Main armament Primary weapon: main gun, cannon or missile type. | 8x 370 mm guided rocket launcher (or 750 mm short-range ballistic missile) |
|---|---|
| Caliber Bore diameter of the main gun or rifle. Larger throws heavier projectiles; not simply better, ammunition commonality matters. | 370 mm |
| Max firing range Maximum range of the main gun or rocket artillery (with assisted/extended-range munitions where noted). Higher extends reach. | 350 km |
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
| Combat weight Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor. | 39,000 kg |
|---|---|
| Crew Personnel required to operate. Fewer reduces exposure; autoloaders trade a loader for mechanical complexity. | 4 |
Program
Cost, production scale and operators.
| Operator countries Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem. | 1 |
|---|
Specifications compiled from public NORINCO and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-02.
Compare with rivals
See how it stacks up
Lockheed Martin M270A2 MLRS 
Uralvagonzavod TOS-1A Solntsepyok 
MKE T-155 Fırtına Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of the NORINCO PHL-16? +
The NORINCO PHL-16 has a maximum speed of 90 km/h.
What is the range of the NORINCO PHL-16? +
The NORINCO PHL-16 has a maximum range of 650 km.
How much does the NORINCO PHL-16 weigh? +
The NORINCO PHL-16 has a combat weight of 39,000 kg.
How many crew does the NORINCO PHL-16 require? +
The NORINCO PHL-16 requires a crew of 4.
What is the main armament of the NORINCO PHL-16? +
The NORINCO PHL-16's primary weapon is the 8x 370 mm guided rocket launcher (or 750 mm short-range ballistic missile).
How many countries operate the NORINCO PHL-16? +
The NORINCO PHL-16 is operated by 1 countries.
How much does the NORINCO PHL-16 cost? +
NORINCO PHL-16: Unit cost not publicly disclosed. Defense program costs are rarely fully public and vary by contract and configuration.
Similar systems
NORINCO
PCL-181
NORINCO
SH16A
NORINCO
PLZ-05
Uralvagonzavod
2S35 Koalitsiya-SV
Related coverage
