The Chinese Rocket Force (PLARF)

China's armed forces established the Rocket Force as part of the reform and restructuring of its military. Details on the new Rocket Force unit: It replaces the Second Artillery Corps, which previously managed China's nuclear and long-range conventional arsenals.

The Chinese Rocket Force (PLARF) was officially established on December 31, 2015 (effective January 1, 2016). Its formation was announced directly by President Xi Jinping as part of a massive reform effort to modernize the Chinese military. Although its status as a full military service branch was only formalized in 2015, the unit has a long operational history:

July 1, 1966 (Origins): The unit was first formed as the Second Artillery Corps under the instruction of Premier Zhou Enlai to manage China's secret nuclear weapons.

December 31, 2015 (Transformation): Its status was upgraded from a specialized corps/branch under the General Staff to an independent military service on par with the Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The PLARF is a vital element of Beijing's military modernization. It controls the world's largest arsenal of land-based missiles, comprising both nuclear-armed and conventional systems.

The following are details regarding its weaponry and strategic objectives:

Weaponry Strength & Capabilities: The PLARF operates various advanced missiles featuring global range and high accuracy:

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs): It possesses missiles such as the DF-41 and DF-5C, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads with ranges exceeding 12,000 to 20,000 kilometers—sufficient to reach the continental United States and Europe. Hypersonic Missiles: Operates the DF-17, a hypersonic missile specifically designed to penetrate modern Western air defense systems.

Conventional & Medium-Range Missiles: Possesses thousands of highly accurate short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), and ground-based cruise missiles. These include the DF-21D and DF-26, dubbed "Carrier Killers" due to their ability to target moving aircraft carriers at sea.

Nuclear Warheads: Estimated to possess around 600 operational nuclear warheads, with a goal of rapidly increasing this number to over 1,000 to strengthen its strategic defense.

Strategic Objectives: Broadly speaking, the PLARF pursues a dual mission: war deterrence and tactical offensive operations (warfighting):

Nuclear Deterrence & Counter-strike: Ensures China's capability to launch a credible nuclear counter-strike in the event of a first strike against the country. China maintains a "No First Use" doctrine. Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) Strategy: Blocks or restricts the movement of foreign militaries (particularly the United States and its allies) in the Western Pacific region. 

These missiles are deployed to secure sensitive areas such as the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Long-Range Precision Strikes: Neutralizes high-value enemy targets—such as military bases, radar systems, command centers, and logistics—early in a conflict to pave the way for Chinese army, navy, and air force operations.

2S25M Sprut-SDM1 - Amphibious Light Tank

The 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 is a modern Russian-made amphibious light tank and tank destroyer developed specifically for the Airborne Forces (VDV) and Marines. This combat vehicle is designed to be parachuted from cargo aircraft (such as the Il-76) with the crew on board to provide massive direct fire support after landing.

Main Characteristics & Advantages: Main Battle Tank (MBT)-Equivalent Firepower: Despite its compact size, this tank is armed with a 125 mm 2A75M smoothbore gun. This weapon has a destructive power comparable to that of Russian main battle tanks such as the T-72 and T-90, and is capable of firing anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) up to 5 km away.

Full Amphibious Capability: The Sprut-SDM1 can swim underwater using two water jet engines at speeds of up to 7 km/h, and can even fire its main gun while floating on the sea.

High Mobility: With a very light weight (only around 18 tons), this tank can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h on land and is highly agile in various difficult terrain.

Modern Fire Control System: Equipped with an advanced thermal sensor sight similar to that of the T-90MS tank, this tank also adopts a hunter-killer system that allows the commander to automatically aim at a new target while the gunner engages the previous one.

Main Weakness: Limited Armor Protection: To maintain its light weight for airdropping and waterborne maneuverability, its armor is relatively thin. Its frontal surface is only resistant to 12.7 mm rounds, while all other surfaces are only resistant to 7.62 mm rounds and artillery shells.

The development history of the Sprut-SDM1 is divided into three main phases:

1. Soviet Era. The project began in 1984. The Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV) needed a light armored vehicle with exceptional firepower to destroy enemy main battle tanks after being deployed behind defense lines. First Trials: Using the Object 934 light tank prototype chassis and a 125 mm gun, state testing was conducted between 1984 and 1991. However, the project was halted due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and technical problems with the parachute system.

2. Birth of the Initial Version: 2S25 Sprut-SD (2001–2010). In 2001, the Volgograd Tractor Plant resumed the abandoned project. They redesigned the vehicle based on the BMD-3 amphibious landing vehicle chassis. The tank was officially adopted by the Russian Armed Forces in 2006 as the 2S25 Sprut-SD. Produced in small numbers (around 30–40 units), the Russian military halted production in 2010 due to engine reliability issues and logistical difficulties in integrating spare parts.

3. Total Modernization to Sprut-SDM1 (2015–Present), The project was then taken over by the Russian defense giant, Kurganmashzavod. To make maintenance much easier, they standardized components (unification). The old chassis was replaced using the BMD-4M combat vehicle chassis and the engine was replaced with the same UTD-29 diesel engine as the BMP-3 tank. The prototype of the modern version (Sprut-SDM1) was completed in 2015 and exhibited to the public in 2016. Rigorous State Tests (2020–2022): This tank passed a series of extreme trials in various fields, starting from firing tests in the middle of a Black Sea storm, operational tests in the frozen region of Siberia, to tests dropped from a high tower to simulate a hard impact when parachuted. Mass Production Stage: After being declared to have passed the state test in early 2022, this light tank is ready for mass production to strengthen the Russian VDV fleet and is offered for the export market to countries such as India (for highland conflict areas).

ISTIF-class Frigates - Indonesian Navy

 Indonesia plans to purchase two ISTIF-class frigates from Turkey through a financing and partnership agreement with the Qatari company, Barzan Holdings.

The following are details of the frigate purchase plan:

Contract Value and Financing

Initial contract: Agreed upon at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey, in July 2025.

Cooperation value: Approximately US$1 billion to US$1.1 billion for two ships (approximately Rp16.9 trillion to Rp17.8 trillion), with an estimated price per unit of around US$500 million–US$550 million.

Qatar's scheme: Involving [Barzan Holdings] (a Qatari defense investment company) and a Turkish shipyard consortium, TAIS Shipyards, to assist with risk management and program financing.

Two ISTIF-class frigates ordered by Indonesia are confirmed to be ready for delivery and will begin arriving in Indonesia between 2027 and 2028.

Comparison with the Merah Putih Frigate:

The Merah Putih Frigate (based on the British Arrowhead 140 design) has a much larger size, tonnage, and weapons capacity (heavy frigate) compared to the Turkish-made ISTIF-class frigate, which falls into the light-medium frigate category.

Class Category: Light/Medium Frigate, Displacement: ± 3,100 - 3,150 tons (Merah Putih Frigate: Heavy Frigate, Displacement: ± 6,000 - 6,626 tons (twice as heavy))

Hull Length: 113 meters (Merah Putih Frigate: 140 meters)

Vertical Launch System (VLS): 16 VLS cells (MİDLAS), (Merah Putih Frigate: 64 VLS cells (Universal MIDLAS))

Main Radar: CENK-S AESA 3D Radar (Red and White Frigate: 3D/Multifunction Surveillance Radar)

Maximum Speed: ± 26–29 knots (Merah Putih Frigate: ± 28 knots)

Sail Range: 5,700 Nautical Miles (NM), (Merah Putih Frigate: 9,000 Nautical Miles (NM))

Estimated Price per Unit: ± US$500 million – US$550 million (Merah Putih Frigate: ± US$400 million – US$600 million)

ISTIF Class Fregate

Merah Putih Class Fregate (KRI Prabu Siliwangi 321)

The Merah Putih Frigate is designed as a primary combatant with a massive air umbrella thanks to its 64 VLS cells, approaching the capabilities of a destroyer. Meanwhile, the ISTIF Class features a standard configuration of 16 VLS cells, optimized for tactical self-defense and anti-surface ship warfare (ASuW).

With a range of up to 9,000 NM, the Merah Putih Frigate (KRI Balaputradewa) is projected to maintain deep-sea sovereignty (blue water navy) for extended periods. Conversely, the ISTIF Class is more ideal for medium-range patrols with a range of 5,700 NM.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense purchased the ISTIF Class from Turkey to accelerate the addition of a fully equipped fleet while the construction of the Red and White Frigate at PT PAL requires comprehensive weapons integration over the next several years.

PCL-181 - Chinese 155 mm self-propelled howitzer

The PCL-181 is a Chinese-made 155 mm self-propelled howitzer system mounted on a 6x6 truck chassis and used by the People's Liberation Army Ground Forces (PLAGF).

Key Specifications

Weapon Type: 155 mm wheeled howitzer / 52-caliber barrel.

Firing Range: Up to 40 km with conventional ammunition and up to 72 km with long-range rocket-propelled ammunition.

Mobility: Based on a Taian GM 6x6 truck chassis with a weight of approximately 25 tons, it can be loaded onto military transport aircraft such as the Shaanxi Y-9.

Features: Equipped with a semi-automatic ammunition loading system and automatic digital fire control for rapid tactical mobility (shoot-and-scoot).

Export Variant: Known as the SH-15.

The PCL-181's fire control system (FCS) is designed with a high degree of automation to support the modern shoot-and-scoot military doctrine (shoot and then immediately flee to avoid retaliation).

PCL-181 control system technology:

1. Automatic Digitalization & Computing System

Digital Ballistic Computer: Instantly calculates firing elements (elevation angle, direction, propellant type) based on received target coordinates.

Battlefield Integration (C4ISR): This system is directly connected to the tactical command network. The PCL-181 can receive real-time target data from artillery tracking radars, reconnaissance drones, or forward observers via a secure military data link.

2. Autonomous Navigation and Positioning

Inertial Navigation System (INS) & Satellite: Equipped with an integrated INS sensor combined with satellite navigation (Beidou). This system allows the vehicle to accurately determine its own coordinates and barrel direction independently, without the need for manual field surveys.

Gun Laying Automation: The gun barrel is hydraulically driven and automatically auto-lays onto the target based on ballistics computer calculations, shortening firing preparation time.

3. Ballistic Sensors & Muzzle Velocity Detection

Muzzle Velocity Radar: A small radar located above the base of the barrel detects the velocity of each bullet. This data is fed directly back to the ballistics computer to automatically correct the accuracy of subsequent shots if deviations occur due to barrel wear or external factors.

Automatic Weather Sensor: Built-in sensors measure local air temperature, pressure, and wind speed, which affect the trajectory of the bullet.

4. Semi-Automatic Ammunition Management and Loading

Computer-Aided Loading System: While loading still requires a crew, the ramming mechanism (pushing the round into the chamber) operates semi-automatically with hydraulic drives connected to the fire control system, ensuring a consistent rate of fire (approximately 4–6 rounds per minute).

Thanks to this control technology, the entire process, from stopping the vehicle, deploying the hydraulic anchor, aiming the barrel, and firing the first round, can be completed in less than a minute. After firing, the vehicle can immediately fold the system and depart in less than 30 seconds, before the enemy has time to track the source of the shot.

The PCL-181 began to be integrated into active PLA artillery units around 2018 and early 2019. It made its international debut on October 1, 2019, at China's 70th National Day Military Parade in Beijing.

The export version, designated the SH-15, has been highly successful, with several countries officially purchasing it:

Pakistan: Became the largest user outside China to modernize its artillery corps.

Ethiopia: Purchased the system to strengthen its regional defenses.