Kestrel

Kestrel system
TypeAnti-tank weapon
Place of originTaiwan
Service history
In service2015–present
Used bySee operators
Production history
DesignerNational Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
Designed2008-2012
ManufacturerNational Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
Unit costUSD $3,100
Produced2015-present
No. built500+
Specifications
Mass5 kg
Length110 cm
Crew1
Caliber67 mm
Effective firing range400 m (HEAT) or 150 m (HESH)
SightsIron sights and modular optics

The Kestrel is an individual shoulder-launched weapon system developed by Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and currently in service with the Republic of China Armed Forces and Coast Guard Administration.

Description

The launcher is made from fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and features an optical sight as well as a mount for a night vision scope. Effective range is 400m with HEAT warhead rocket and 150m with HESH warhead rocket.[1]

Development

Development of the Kestrel began in 2008 following a request from the Republic of China Marine Corps. Eleven tests were carried out between 2009 and 2012 and the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation occurred in 2013.[2] The Kestrel was first exhibited at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in 2013.[1][3]

Service history

Kestrel system demonstrated for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen

Republic of China Military Police

The Kestrel entered service with the ROCMC in 2015.[2] In 2018 the Republic of China Military Police placed an order for 445 launchers.[4] As of December 2019 the ROCMP had procured 397 combat systems, 238 test systems and five training simulators.[5]

Coast Guard Administration

In 2019 the Coast Guard Administration placed an order for 84 launchers and 88 simulators.[6] By April 2021 many had been deployed to units garrisoned on islands in the South China Sea.[7]

Republic of China Army

The Republic of China Army has evaluated the system to replace their numerous M72 LAW systems.[8] In 2022, the Army placed an order for 5,000 launchers. In 2023 the Army placed an order for 5,962 additional launchers.[9]

Rockets

HEAT

The standard rocket features a high explosive anti-tank warhead.[1] The HEAT rocket has a 400m range and can penetrate 35 centimeters of armor.[7]

HESH

The development of a High Explosive Squash Head warhead began in 2012. It has been tested against brick walls and reinforced concrete.[2] This warhead is particularly effective for making mouseholes (improvised doorways) in concrete walls during urban combat.[10] The HESH rocket has a range of 150 meters and can penetrate 20-60 centimeters of reinforced concrete.[7]

Long range

A long range rocket that can reach out to 1,200m is in development.[11]

Guided

A guided missile based on existing Kestrel rockets is under development by NCSIST with an eye to providing a domestic equivalent to the FGM-148 Javelin.[11]

Operators

Taiwan Republic of China Army

  • September 2022, 5,000 missiles ordered [12]
  • August 2023, 5,962 Kestrel ordered [13]

See also

  • NCSIST feature video: (in Chinese)
  • NCSIST testing video:

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Kestrel latest generation of rocket launcher weapon presented by Chung-Shan Institute TADTE 1908136". www.armyrecognition.com. Army Recognition. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 "Kestrel Rocket". www.ncsist.org.tw. NCSIST. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  3. ↑ "TADTE 2013". www.sadefensejournal.com. Small Arms Defense Journal. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  4. ↑ Jonathan Chin, Lo Tien-pin and (5 September 2018). "Military police to buy 445 Kestrel missile launchers". www.taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  5. ↑ William Hetherington, Aaron Tu and. "Military police deploy Kestrel missiles". www.taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  6. ↑ Chen, Frank. "aiwan to buy more locally produced weapons". cms.ati.ms. ATI. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  7. 1 2 3 Liao, George (7 April 2021). "Taiwan deploys 292 Kestrel anti-armor rockets to South China Sea islands". www.taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  8. ↑ Tien-pin, Lo (2 October 2018). "REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: Kestrel purchases show confidence in domestic weapons". www.taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  9. ↑ Kajal, Kapil. "Taiwan Army orders additional Kestrel anti-tank weapon systems". janes.com. Janes. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  10. ↑ Blacktail. "Kestrel". www.military-today.com. Military Today. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  11. 1 2 Jake Chung, Lo Tien-pin and (31 March 2018). "US, Taiwan sign missile deal: source". www.taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  12. ↑ "Taiwan Army orders additional Kestrel anti-tank weapon systems". Janes.com. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
  13. ↑ "Taiwan Army orders additional Kestrel anti-tank weapon systems". Janes.com. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
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