U.S. media expose: China delivers Type 59 howitzers to a mysterious buyer!
Recently, several U.S. media outlets, including Defense Blog, cited so-called "intelligence sources" and "open-source images," claiming that China has delivered a batch of Type 59 130mm towed howitzers to an unidentified foreign client.
According to video footage released through open channels, there are indeed several Type 59 guns loaded onto cargo ships and unloaded at a port about two weeks ago. In the footage, the artillery pieces are securely fastened and covered with protective tarpaulins, in line with standard procedures for transporting military equipment. Although the Chinese side has not disclosed the buyer's information, multiple regional defense sources point to the Middle East — among which the UAE has been frequently mentioned as a potential direct purchaser.
Why the Type 59? This howitzer was developed in the late 1950s and is a product of China's replication of the Soviet M-46 130mm field gun. Despite its age, it has several irreplaceable advantages: first, its long range — it can reach over 27 kilometers using conventional shells, and even up to 38 kilometers when using rocket-assisted projectiles; second, its extremely simple structure, low maintenance costs, and suitability for countries with limited advanced logistics systems; third, its low price, which is an order of magnitude cheaper than modern self-propelled or digitized towed artillery.
For this reason, the Type 59 and its improved versions are still in service globally, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and some Southeast Asian countries. China has never stopped producing them, but instead continuously introduces upgrade kits, such as adding simple fire control systems and improving the design of the spade, making them still practically valuable in non-high-intensity conflicts.
Returning to this delivery. If the UAE is indeed the buyer, its motivation is easy to understand. The UAE has been deeply involved in regional hotspots such as Yemen and Sudan in recent years, requiring a large number of low-cost, highly reliable fire support equipment. The Type 59 exactly meets this need. There are also unverified reports suggesting that these howitzers may eventually be transferred to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — an armed group currently engaged in fierce fighting with the Sudanese army, which has an urgent need for long-range firepower.
Certainly, if this "third-party transfer" is true, it will spark new controversies. However, as of now, there is no official evidence confirming the transfer, and all statements remain within the realm of intelligence speculation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855363204552768/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.