MENADEFENSE All about defense from Marrakech to Bengladesh
As the first foreign user of China’s SR5 rocket artillery system, Algeria may soon become the first export customer of the new Feilong‑60A, a modular loitering munition developed by Norinco. Fully compatible with platforms already deployed in the ANP, this autonomous strike drone represents a major step in adopting affordable, adaptable offensive systems—and potentially localizing their production.
When Algeria adopted the Chinese SR5—an advanced multi-caliber rocket launcher from Norinco—the choice was clear: acquire a modular platform designed to evolve with emerging threats. The SR5, capable of launching both 122 mm rockets and 300 mm tactical missiles, offered the kind of battlefield flexibility the Algerian military sought. With the unveiling of the Feilong‑60A in March 2025—a loitering munition designed to launch directly from the SR5—this vision could be entering a new phase.
Feilong‑60A: Technological Breakthrough in Modular Warfare
The Feilong‑60A (FL‑60A), meaning “Flying Dragon,” is a loitering munition or kamikaze drone designed for both ISR and strike missions in a single unit. Once launched, it autonomously patrols, identifies, and engages ground targets. Developed by Norinco, the system is optimized for SR5 launchers: each SR5 module holds six munitions, totaling twelve per vehicle. It features intelligent guidance—likely GNSS/inertial hybrid—and an explosive payload tailored for soft or lightly armored targets. The onboard system enables fully autonomous engagement without operator intervention.
The unit cost is estimated at around $68,000, making it significantly cheaper than Western systems like the Switchblade 600, which reportedly costs up to $180,000. Norinco demonstrated the FL‑60A during 2025 field trials in Inner Mongolia, targeting static and moving targets under semi-permissive conditions.
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