The Kestrel is an individual shoulder-launched weapon system developed by Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and currently in service with the Republic of China Armed Forces and Coast Guard Administration.
| Kestrel | |
|---|---|
  Kestrel system | |
| Type | Anti-tank weapon |
| Place of origin | Taiwan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2015–present |
| Used by | See operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology |
| Designed | 2008-2012 |
| Manufacturer | National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology |
| Unit cost | USD $3,100 |
| Produced | 2015-present |
| No. built | 500+ |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5 kg |
| Length | 110 cm |
| Crew | 1 |
| Caliber | 67 mm |
| Effective firing range | 400 m (HEAT) or 150 m (HESH) |
| Sights | Iron sights and modular optics |
Description
The launcher is made from fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and features an optical sight as well as a mount for a night vision scope. Effective range is 400m with HEAT warhead rocket and 150m with HESH warhead rocket.[1]
Development
Development of the Kestrel began in 2008 following a request from the Republic of China Marine Corps. Eleven tests were carried out between 2009 and 2012 and the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation occurred in 2013.[2] The Kestrel was first exhibited at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in 2013.[1][3]
Service history
Republic of China Military Police
The Kestrel entered service with the ROCMC in 2015.[2] In 2018 the Republic of China Military Police placed an order for 445 launchers.[4] As of December 2019 the ROCMP had procured 397 combat systems, 238 test systems and five training simulators.[5]
Coast Guard Administration
In 2019 the Coast Guard Administration placed an order for 84 launchers and 88 simulators.[6] By April 2021 many had been deployed to units garrisoned on islands in the South China Sea.[7]
Republic of China Army
The Republic of China Army has evaluated the system to replace their numerous M72 LAW systems.[8] In 2022, the Army placed an order for 5,000 launchers. In 2023 the Army placed an order for 5,962 additional launchers.[9]
Rockets
HEAT
The standard rocket features a high explosive anti-tank warhead.[1] The HEAT rocket has a 400m range and can penetrate 35 centimeters of armor.[7]
HESH
The development of a High Explosive Squash Head warhead began in 2012. It has been tested against brick walls and reinforced concrete.[2] This warhead is particularly effective for making mouseholes (improvised doorways) in concrete walls during urban combat.[10] The HESH rocket has a range of 150 meters and can penetrate 20-60 centimeters of reinforced concrete.[7]
Long range
A long range rocket that can reach out to 1,200m is in development.[11]
Guided
A guided missile based on existing Kestrel rockets is under development by NCSIST with an eye to providing a domestic equivalent to the FGM-148 Javelin.[11]
