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Old 09-25-2009, 03:49 AM
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StainlessSteelCynic StainlessSteelCynic is offline
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I'm personally inclined to think that any ATGM version for the PLA would be wired for Sino/Soviet missiles or older Western systems, for a few reasons (or more simply, fitted with a hardpoint to allow a Chinese launcher to be mounted so that it can be fired by a crew member from the hatch - much in the same manner as the Milan on the Marder).

1. While certainly wanting to help the Chinese reduce Soviet numbers, would the USA really want to give them current (for the timeline) ATGM technology? Especially when the Chinese already have their own versions of Soviet ATGMs in service.
2. If using a Western ATGW why not supply an older (obsolete?) system, this would provide a way of disposing of older generation missiles that are still "reasonably" capable of tackling Soviet armour without sacrificing newer technology (that the Soviets may capture in the field and reverse engineer, think of Iran's F-4, F-5 and F-14 aircraft after the fall of the shah).
3. The West already has an idea of how Soviet and NATO ATGWs work against the others armoured vehicles because the Arabs and Israelis have provided plenty of examples (and to a much lesser extent, so have other wars in Africa) so they wouldn't need the Chinese operational experience so much.
4. If the Soviets are causing trouble, wouldn't you want to keep all your most capable gear ready for your own use, just in case they start to wander into your neighbourhood?

Just some thoughts...
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