Introduction of the Rad’a 300 Multiple Rocket Launcher at EDEX 2025
During the 2025 Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX), held in Cairo from December 1 to 4, Egypt’s Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (AOI) showcased its latest advancement in military technology: the Rad’a 300 multiple rocket launcher (MRL).
System Overview
The Rad’a 300 represents a significant engineering achievement, integrating an enhanced version of the Soviet-era ATS-59G tracked vehicle—still operational within the Egyptian Armed Forces—with a compact variant of the self-loading launcher utilized by China’s SR5 MRL manufactured by Norinco.
Key Specifications
- Munitions Capacity:
- One pod with the capacity to load either:
- 20 x 122 mm artillery rockets
- Norinco’s Fire Dragon guided surface-to-surface missiles
- One pod with the capacity to load either:
- Missile Options:
- 220 mm: Six missiles per pod, range of 25–75 km
- 300 mm: Four missiles per pod, range of 30–150 km
- 610 mm: One missile per pod, range of 100–290 km
Operational Characteristics
- Deployment Time: 2 minutes
- Response Time to Fire Orders: 5 minutes
- Self-Reload Time: 3 minutes
The Rad’a 300 is equipped with a sophisticated fire-control system that allows target coordinates to be input either manually or through a command-and-control system. Moreover, it can be operated remotely up to 60 meters away via a controller connected to the vehicle’s cab.
Testing and Export Potential
An AOI representative confirmed that, while the Rad’a 300 has undergone testing and received approval, it has not yet been procured by the Egyptian Armed Forces. Notably, the agreement with Norinco allows for the exportation of the system to other nations, presenting potential international market opportunities. Its relatively lightweight design, compared to the wheeled SR5, positions it as an enticing choice for various military applications.
Conclusion
The Rad’a 300 illustrates Egypt’s ongoing efforts to advance its domestic military capabilities and explore avenues for international collaboration. By enhancing existing technology and leveraging international partnerships, the AOI may strategically enhance Egypt’s defense posture in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
