UAE shows world's largest multiple rocket launcher

The Jobaria Defense Systems (JDS) Multiple Cradle Launcher System (MCLS) shown for the first time at the IDEX 2013 exhibition held in Abu Dhabi was the most visually impressive product at the show. Its ability to fire a total of 240 rockets into a target area and all-up weight of 105 tons are unmatched by any other multiple rocket launcher.

Development and initial production were conducted by Al Jaber Land Systems, working in close co-operation with the Turkish company Roketsan. Development started in 2008, and production deliveries to the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) started in October 2011, but were not announced at the time.

The recently launched Jobaria Defense Systems company, a member of the Tawazun Group, is now fully responsible for MCLS design, production, and deliveries. During the exhibition, it displayed one MCLS vehicle on the Tawazun Group's open-area stand, while another took part in the mobility display.

The system was created by installing four Aselsan rocket launchers aboard a specially adapted five-axle semi-trailer.