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SWS3 Chinese 35mm Air Defense Gun Missile System

SWS3

Air Defense Gun Missile System
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Basic Information
Name
SWS3 Chinese 35mm Air Defense Gun Missile System
Designation
SWS3
Alternate Designation
SWS3; LD35L
Equipment Type
Air Defense Gun Missile System
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Date of Introduction
2025
Description

The SWS3 Chinese 35mm Air Defense Gun Missile System combines a 35mm autocannon and FB-10A short-range surface-to-air missiles mounted on a Dongfeng Mengshi 6×6 wheeled chassis. The deployment of the SWS3 into light combined arms brigades increases the capacity of these units to operate in airspace contested by low-flying threats like drones and cruise missiles. Light combined arms brigades of the PLA are modular formations designed for rapid deployment and high mobility in varied operational environments. These brigades are tasked with advancing ahead of heavier forces and are structured to operate with autonomy in reconnaissance, flanking, or area denial missions. These units comprise at least one air defense battalion equipped with short-range systems, often relying on smaller man-portable systems or support from larger formations. The SWS3 provides these brigades with a dedicated SHORAD capability, integrated directly into their force structure. This development corresponds with the PLA’s broader emphasis on operational independence for mobile units and the capacity to operate effectively under electronic warfare conditions or in areas where centralized support may not be available.

Ground Specifications
Mobility Type Wheeled (6x6)
Main Weapon 35mm revolver autocannon
Engine Diesel
Range 18.0 km
System
Alternative Designation SWS3; LD35L
Type Air Defense Gun Missile System
Manufacturer Norinco
Caliber 35 mm
Configuration 6x6
Crew INA
Dimensions
Length INA
Width INA
Height INA
Weight, Combat INA
Automotive
Engine Name INA
Engine Type Diesel
Engine Power INA
Maximum Range INA
Maximum Speed INA
Amphibious No
Main Weapon System
Note The SWS3 system is built around an unmanned turret equipped with a single-barrel 35mm revolver autocannon. The 35mm cannon is supplied through a modular ammunition container system that allows for faster reloading and improved rate of fire sustainability during extended engagements. This weapon system is capable of firing AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction) programmable airburst ammunition, which disperses a controlled number of sub-projectiles at a calculated point near the target. This function is designed to increase the probability of intercepting aerial targets such as drones or cruise missiles. The turret also includes two launch tubes for the FB-10A missile system. The FB-10A is a short-range missile with dual-mode guidance using both infrared imaging and radio command link, enabling it to engage targets under conditions involving GPS denial or electronic countermeasures. The missile has a maximum range of 18 kilometers and can intercept aerial targets flying at altitudes up to 7,500 meters. The integration of both the cannon and missile in one system allows for the application of a dual-interception model, where two different types of threats or layers of a single threat can be addressed in parallel.
Radar Systems
Note The SWS3 also includes a sensor suite composed of a phased-array radar and electro-optical tracking systems. The radar is capable of multi-target tracking and is likely derived from sensors used on other Chinese SHORAD platforms. It supports autonomous operation by enabling target detection and engagement without external data input. The electro-optical component includes infrared and optical sensors that allow for passive target acquisition and tracking, improving survivability in contested electromagnetic environments.
Protection
Armor INA
Applique Armor INA
NBC Protection INA
Smoke Equipment INA
Details
Country of Origin China
Category Land
Land
Filter Label
S
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Operators (1)
China
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