3 Chinese-made weapons bought by Saudi Arabia, from drones to nuclear missiles

JAKARTA – China is known to have supplied some weapons to Saudi Arabian . It seems that cooperation between the two countries has been going on for some time, including in the military sector.

Saudi Arabia recently bought $4 billion worth of weapons, according to the South China Morning Post. This arms purchase from China is one of Riyadh’s alternatives after discussions with the US, which was previously the main arms supplier.

The arms trade between China and Saudi Arabia began in the late 1980s, after the two countries had their first meeting in 1985. Then the two countries officially established cooperative relations in 1990. Since then, Saudi Arabia has been known for purchasing several weapons from China.

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Here are 3 Chinese-made weapons that Saudi Arabia bought:

1. Drones
The purchase of these unmanned aircraft was carried out between 2014 and 2017. It is known that more than 30 drones of the Wing Loong 1 and 2 type, as well as 5 CH-4B drones were purchased from Saudi Arabia.

Launched by asianmilitaryreview.com, the Cai Hong 4 (CH-4) drone type was developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA). This unmanned aircraft can survive for 42 hours.

Currently, the drone has been equipped with a new engine that has increased its capabilities by 40% compared to before.

2. Meriam self-propelled PLZ-45
This cannon was purchased by Arab in 2007, for a total of 54 units. This weapon is mobile artillery, and is shaped like a tank but smaller in size.

Quoted from army-guide.com, the PLZ45 is a 155mm self-propelled gun developed by NORINCO for the export market. The development of this weapon began in the 90s.