AAD 12 : NORINCO Light Strike Vehicle Makes International Debut

The China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has exhibited the CS/VA1 Light Strike Vehicle internationally for the first time at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition.

'It includes the next generation of military chassis,' Wang Xuesong, Africa-America department regional marketing chief told Shephard at AAD in Pretoria, South Africa, on 19 September. The weapon system can fire international-standard ammunition making it ideal for export, she added.

It is based on PLA specifications, but can be changed to meet other requirements and the weapon turret was designed so that a variety of systems can be integrated.

The options include the CS/LM5 12.7mm rotary machine gun, a 40mm automatic grenade launcher or the 12.7mm/0.50 inch heavy machine gun, which adheres to NATO standards.

It can rotate 360 degrees, and other options include 1,000 or 2,000 rounds/minute.

Although the PLA is its main customer, the company has recognised the needs required for export custom and has included them in some of its system designs including international standards for ammunition. This includes the SH1 155mm self-propelled howitzer which has NATO-standard ammunition, a feature that identifies it was intended for the export market.

'We manufacture everything for the army's requirements,' Wang explained.  'In China we are the biggest supplier- some 90-95% of the army's equipment.'