Taiwan unveils second-generation Kestrel rocket launcher

A first-generation Kestrel rocket launcher is shown with the HEAT (on the left) and HESH (on the right) munitions. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

Taiwan's state-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has unveiled the second generation of its Kestrel rocket launcher, designated Kestrel II, state-owned Central News Agency (CNA) reported on 19 May.

Citing NCSIST, CNA said Kestrel II is currently undergoing developmental testing, which is scheduled to be completed by late June.

According to CNA, Kestrel II has a larger launch tube than its predecessor, allowing it to fire rockets with an increased calibre of 96 mm, up from 66 mm. The tube is also 6 cm longer, bringing its total length to 116 cm. Weighing 7.4 kg, the system, which was unveiled at a media event in Taipei, is 2.3 kg heavier than the earlier version.

“The new launcher remains shoulder-carried with a strap, and it is a disposable, single-use system that is discarded after firing,” CNA added.

CNA reported that NCSIST's systems manufacturing center displayed a 67 cm rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) steel plate to showcase Kestrel II's penetration performance, along with a thermal imaging sight attachment, training rounds, and a virtual reality simulation system.

Another improvement is its 5x optical zoom sight, which has a predicted line-of-sight (PLOS) reticle to support engagement of moving targets, CNA said. The sight is mounted on a rail and can be removed after firing for use on other equipment for observation. NCSIST has also developed a thermal imaging sight for night-time deployment, which includes a PLOS reticle.

According to CNA, NCSIST is developing a confined-space (CS) variant of Kestrel II. “Shoulder-launched weapon systems generally come in two primary variants: open-space systems, which generate dangerous backblast, and CS variants,” NCSIST added.