Month: December 2013

Did HJ-8E ATGWs in Syria originate in China?

By N.R. Jenzen-Jones In recent months, Chinese HJ-8E anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs) have been documented in the hands of anti-government fighters in Syria. The HJ-8 (Hong Jian-8, or “Red Arrow-8″) is a second generation ATGW, operating on the semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) principle. Use of the HJ-8 requires that the operator continually keep the

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Less-lethal launchers during protests in Turkey

By N.R. Jenzen-Jones Crowd control actions executed by Turkish police in 2013 have showcased the employment of several less-lethal launchers. Aside from a range of medium-calibre riot guns (including 37/38mm Federal Riot Guns, 37/38mm Penn Arms PL-8 rotary launchers, and MKE 40mm launchers)  firing CS, impact, and possibly OC munitions, three other less-lethal launchers have

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ARES launches The Hoplite blog

Armament Research Services (ARES), a specialist consultancy offering technical expertise to a range of organisations in the arms and munitions field, have launched their company blog. The Hoplite supports ARES’ goal to offer unique technical support to other actors operating in the sector. The blog will draw on the broad-ranging skillsets of our staff, contractors, and selected

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