China offers latest FT-series precision-guided bombs for export

[Zarvan]

An FT-3A precision-guided bomb on a Hongdu Q-5/A-5 test aircraft. (China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation )
Key Points

• Three new variants complement eight FT-series precision munitions now offered for export
• China is seeking to expand its PGB footprint internationally

With the release of the improved FT-3A, FT-6A, and FT-7 variants earlier this year, Aerospace Long-March International Trade Co Ltd (ALIT), an intermediary subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC), is now promoting the complete Fei Teng (FT) series of precision-guided bombs (PGBs) to the international market.

Developed by the CASC China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the CALT/CASC FT-1 and FT-3 precision-guided bombs (PGBs) were first exhibited in November 2006 at the Zhuhai Airshow in China.

Since then the FT family has expanded to include additional FT-2, FT-5, FT-6, FT-9, FT-10, and FT-12 designs now ranging in size from about 25 kg to 1,000 kg. These are arguably in direct competition with the Lei Shi-6 (LS-6) series PGBs developed by the Luoyang Optoelectro Technology Development Center (LOEC), part of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

CALT says all of its FT PGBs are equipped with a guidance system that includes global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, which, while CALT officially refutes any dependence on the US-controlled GPS system according to Chinese press reports would allow the option for GPS, the Russian GLONASS, and potentially China's own BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) GNSS receivers.

China launched the fifth of a new generation of navigation satellites on 3 February, the 21st of the BeiDou System. The first 16 BeiDou satellites formed a network that covered only China and nearby regions. The first new-generation satellite, the 17th in total, was launched in March 2015 to help the network transition from regional to global coverage. By the end of 2018, a further 18 satellites will be put into orbit for the BeiDou system, according to Ran Chengqi, Director of the China Satellite Navigation Office and spokesperson of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

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China offers latest FT-series precision-guided bombs for export | IHS Jane's 360

 

[Kompromat]

I think AERO is already producing a number of FT series PGM kits, it will only make sense for Pakistan to have all of the kits we need for operations being built at home. Turkey and Brazil too are working on their respective PGM kits, we can also look into that.