Cambodia receives PHL-03 & Type 90B MLRS, SH1 155mm SPH, trucks from China

 

SH1 155mm self-propelled howitzers delivered to the Royal Cambodian Army as seen in a Cambodian city. Photo c/o Khmer Military News.

The Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) appears to have receive the PHL-03 300mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), Type 90B 122mm MLRS, and SH1 155mm self-propelled howitzer systems from China.

These were confirmed by videos and photographs emerging online on 25 May 2022, showing new military vehicles at Sihanoukville Port.

Among those identified in the videos and photos are at least 6 PHL-03 300mm multiple launch rocket launcher vehicles, 2 Wanshan WS2400 transport trucks, 2 Wanshan WS2500 ammunition loading vehicles, and 6 Norinco SH1 155mm self-propelled howitzers.

Also reportedly seen were unspecified numbers of Type 90B 122mm MLRS, Xiaolong JL3 4x4 tactical vehicles, BeiBen 2629 supply trucks and battery command post trucks.

All these new weapon systems were manufactured by Chinese state-owned arms manufacturer Norinco

These new artillery systems would improve the Royal Cambodian Army’s overall capability, with the service believed to not have similar systems in its current inventory.

While the RCA has other MLRS in its inventory, the PHL-03 fire a larger rocket with a range beyond 130 kilometers. Meanwhile the SH1 self-propelled howitzer is the first of its kind with the RCA.

According to reports from the Khmer Times, the new assets are stored in the RCA’s Artillery Headquarters in Kampong Speu province, and will be used for live firing exercise with the People’s Liberation Army in the future.




[1] Khmer Times
[2] Shephard Media
[3] Army Recognition