Malaysia's Defense Minister Visits Chinese Weapons Factory, Accompanying Officers Are Surprised and Open Their Mouths: How Advanced!
Recently, Malaysia's Defense Minister Khalid Nordin visited China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, Poly Technologies Import and Export Company, and North Industries Group in succession. In the photos of the weapons equipment site at North Industries Group, the author noticed that the accompanying officers looked shocked, with their mouths wide open, as if saying: "How advanced is this equipment?"
The focus of Minister Khalid's visit was armored vehicles, artillery systems, and light weapons. According to public reports, the displayed products may include the VT-4 main battle tank, the VN series armored vehicles, and the AR3 multiple rocket launcher system, among other star products.
The performance data of these equipment are quite impressive: The VT-4 tank is equipped with a 125mm main gun, has a top speed of 70 km/h, and can accurately hit targets while moving; the AR3 rocket launcher has a range covering 70 to 300 km, supports various guided rocket shells, and its strike accuracy reaches meter level—these parameters belong to the first tier in the international market.
More importantly, what was demonstrated this time was not only finished products, but also technical cooperation details. Minister Khalid explicitly mentioned that both sides discussed "technology transfer and joint manufacturing."
For example, Malaysia has previously introduced four coastal mission ships (LMS) from China, and the first one, "Keris," was jointly built by China and Malaysia.
In this meeting, North Industries may have proposed a similar model: for instance, local production of armored vehicle parts in Malaysia, or joint maintenance of artillery systems. This approach of "not just buying products, but also sending technology" has a much greater appeal for countries like Malaysia, which are seeking to build their own defense industry, than simple procurement.
Don't think that the officer's surprised expression in the on-site photos is rare—there is evidence to support it. When you compare Malaysia's current equipment, you will understand. The main tanks of the Malaysian Army are still the PT-91M (Polish-modified T-72) from the Soviet era, with fire control systems and mobility far behind the VT-4; the artillery forces rely on old towed guns, while the modular loading and digital command system of the AR3 rocket launcher represent an upgrade that is "a generation ahead."
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1843400443737092/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.