HJ-73 (Red Arrow-73) Chinese Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)

The HJ-73 is an anti-tank missile of Chinese origin. While the first model was a direct copy of the Soviet 9M14M Malyutka anti-tank missile, subsequently new models were developed in China. Although considered obsolete, it remains in widespread use while it is cheap and simple to use compared to modern anti-tank-guided weapons. The HJ-73 started out as a direct copy of the Soviet 9M14M and its associated 9S415 control box. Improved models incorporate some technology from the HJ-8 design program. Early model HJ-73 was a direct copy of the Soviet 9M14M. These suffer from the same drawbacks, such as 400 mm penetration and MCLOS guidance. The HJ-73 was continuously improved but is not as potent as the latest Serbian models. SACLOS guidance became available from the HJ-73B onward. All HJ-73 models have a maximum range of 3 km. The HJ-73 is used from either a manpack launcher or a vehicle installation. Early model manpack launchers were a direct copy of the Soviet control box. Later a domestic SACLOS control station was developed. Recently a lot of modern Chinese vehicles have been fitted with HJ-73C on either side of the turret.