Chinese state television has aired footage showing the People's Liberation Army's PHL-03 rocket launchers striking moving maritime targets over 100 km away during a drill. This provides the first official confirmation of their threat to ships. The demonstration indicates potential use against vessels in a Taiwan scenario.
On Thursday, state broadcaster CCTV reported on footage of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) PHL-03 land-based rocket launchers hitting moving surface vessels more than 100 km (62 miles) away during a drill. This marks the first official confirmation of their capability against ships, which were previously thought to threaten only land targets.
The video shows PHL-03 launchers successfully striking maritime targets, with the report stating: “Striking maritime targets not only significantly expands the operational reach of long-range firepower but also establishes a new tactical deterrent ability.” This expansion could bolster PLA's firepower in the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing has emphasized military modernization amid regional tensions. The drill highlights the evolution of PLA rocket systems from land defense to multi-domain operations, though the report does not specify the exact location or date, its timing aligns with activities around Taiwan. Analysts note such displays aim to enhance deterrence rather than signal imminent action.
Prior assessments viewed the PHL-03 as a shore-based anti-landing weapon, but this confirmation shifts understanding of its anti-ship potential. The report does not mention advanced systems like the PHL-16, despite their inclusion in keywords.