Chinese AH4 Howitzers in Yemen with UAE Support
- Recent sightings of Chinese-made AH4 155mm howitzers with UAE-backed forces in both Yemen and sudan highlight a growing trend of Abu Dhabi's military influence and the proliferation of...
- On January 23,2024,images surfaced on social media showing AH4 155mm howitzers operated by the Southern Giants Brigades in yemen (wali, 2024).The Southern Giants Brigades are a key component...
- This deployment follows recent documentation of the same artillery system with the UAE-supported Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, indicating a pattern of Abu Dhabi equipping its partnered...
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Chinese Artillery Spreads Across Regional Conflicts: AH4 Howitzers in Yemen and Sudan
Table of Contents
Recent sightings of Chinese-made AH4 155mm howitzers with UAE-backed forces in both Yemen and sudan highlight a growing trend of Abu Dhabi’s military influence and the proliferation of advanced weaponry in regional conflicts.
the Emergence of the AH4 in Yemen
On January 23,2024,images surfaced on social media showing AH4 155mm howitzers operated by the Southern Giants Brigades in yemen (wali, 2024).The Southern Giants Brigades are a key component of the Yemeni National Army, heavily supported by the United Arab Emirates in its fight against the Houthi movement.
This deployment follows recent documentation of the same artillery system with the UAE-supported Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, indicating a pattern of Abu Dhabi equipping its partnered forces with this specific weapon system.
What is the AH4 Howitzer?
The AH4 is a lightweight 155mm howitzer manufactured by Norinco, a Chinese state-owned defense company. It is designed for mobility and rapid deployment, making it suitable for a variety of terrains. The AH4 boasts a maximum range of approximately 40 kilometers when using extended-range ammunition (SIPRI, n.d.).
key specifications of the AH4 include:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| caliber | 155mm |
| Manufacturer | norinco (China) |
| Maximum Range | ~40 km (with ER ammunition) |
| Weight | ~7.5 tons |
UAE as the Primary Foreign Operator
data from the Stockholm International Peace Research institute (SIPRI) indicates that the United Arab Emirates is currently the only confirmed foreign operator of the AH4 howitzer outside of China (SIPRI, n.d.).This suggests a deliberate strategy by Abu Dhabi to acquire and distribute this system to its allies and proxies in key regional hotspots.
The UAE’s role as the primary foreign operator raises questions about the extent of Chinese arms sales to the region and the potential implications for regional stability. The AH4’s deployment in both Yemen and Sudan demonstrates the UAE’s ability to project influence and shape the military landscape in these countries.