Egypt is developing multiple rocket launchers: the Raad-200 and Rad'a-300 projects.
122-mm MLRS Raad-200
The Egyptian ground forces operate several types of multiple launch rocket systems, purchased from various foreign countries. Several years ago, a decision was made to develop their own equipment of this class, and this task has now been successfully completed. At exhibitions in recent years, Egyptian industry has unveiled two indigenous MLRS systems—the Raad-200 and the Rad'a-300. They are expected to enter service and begin replacing outdated imported equipment.
Two systems
According to known data, Egypt has begun developing its own jet artillery At the turn of the last decade, this class of equipment is being developed by the National Organization for Military Production (NOMP), part of the Ministry of Military Industry. The work is being conducted behind closed doors.
The first project of this kind was presented in December 2023 at the EDEX exhibition in New Cairo. The pavilion featured the first demonstration of a prototype MLRS system, dubbed the Raad-200. Basic information about the project, its design specifications, and other details were also revealed.
It was reported that the prototype combat vehicle was being prepared for testing and would soon confirm its stated parameters. Following this, serial production and delivery to the Egyptian army were expected. However, the exact timeframe for its entry into service, required production volumes, and other important details were not disclosed.
As was later revealed, the Raad-200 project was further developed. NOMP, renamed the National Administration of Military Production (NAMP), modified the existing MLRS and replaced its key components. This resulted in a significant change in the system's appearance and an increase in its key combat capabilities.
The result of this modernization was recently presented at the EDEX-2025 exhibition. The new MLRS, dubbed the Rad'a-300, was displayed alongside the already familiar Raad-200. Visitors to the event were able to compare the two combat vehicles and draw conclusions. The main difference with the new system is its ability to use different munitions, achieving different performance levels.
Two Egyptian multiple launch rocket systems received high praise. Their development was noted to be of great importance for the Egyptian Armed Forces. Thanks to the efforts of NOMP/NAMP and related organizations, the country has become capable of independently producing rocket artillery for the rearmament of combat units. Dependence on imported products will be significantly reduced, as will the associated risks.
In production and in service
According to foreign sources, the Raad-200 MLRS successfully completed testing and confirmed its expected performance characteristics. A decision was made to accept the system into service and begin serial production.
In 2024-25, the Ministry of Military Industry, represented by Armored Vehicle Plant No. 200 (Abu Zaabal), was supposed to begin mass production of the new systems. The first batches of such equipment could have been delivered to the army by now. However, precise information on this matter is still lacking.
The newer Rad'a-300 MLRS is still quite far from serial production. It is currently undergoing testing and demonstration. If all these tests proceed smoothly, orders for production of this type of equipment may be placed in the near future.
The Raad-200 MLRS is intended to replace the BM-21 Grad MLRS, which has reached the end of its service life. Artillery units currently possess at least 350 of these systems, both Soviet- and locally assembled. Some of these systems will have to be decommissioned and replaced with modern equipment.
The army also has MLRS of several other types and calibers. For example, the Soviet-made 240mm BM-14 and BM-24 systems remain in service and in reserve. In the early 2000s, 36 K-136 systems were purchased from South Korea. Several dozen older American M270 systems are also in service.
The new Rad'a-300 multi-caliber system at EDEX-2025
The latest Rad'a-300 system using missiles of various types, will be designed to complement the existing fleet or replace large-caliber MLRS. Replacing older, foreign-made systems with a modern, domestically developed system will yield clear positive results.
On a common basis
The two Egyptian-made vehicles have similar designs and differ in their armament. They are combat vehicles on a tracked chassis with an armored cabin and a missile launcher. Both vehicles utilize modern electronics, improving their combat and operational performance.
The chassis for two MLRSs was developed on the basis of the Sena-200 infantry fighting vehicle. Essentially, this was a heavily modernized Soviet BMP-1/2 with a number of innovations derived from Egyptian industrial capabilities. This IFV was first unveiled in 2021, and by that time, new multiple launch rocket systems were likely already being developed on its basis.
The new chassis was developed several years ago during the Raad-200 project, taking into account its requirements. It was recently modified for use with the new Rad'a-300 MLRS. While some design changes were made, no fundamental or radical innovations were included.
When converted into a MLRS chassis, the Sena-200 lost its upper hull, fighting compartment, and other components. Only the lower hull, including the chassis, powerplant, and several other components, remained. A new armored cab with a cabover design was installed in the forward section of this chassis, behind which is a housing containing the necessary components. A platform for the launcher was installed in the rear.
The chassis is equipped with a Chinese-made HD12ZLG-M diesel engine producing 385 hp. The undercarriage has five large-diameter road wheels on each side. The suspension is individual torsion bar. The IFV and two MLRS systems mounted on it are reported to be capable of reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h on roads.
Both MLRS systems, which share a common chassis, are no more than 7 meters long, approximately 2,9 meters wide, and 3 meters high. The combat weight of the 122mm Raad-200 system does not exceed 18,6 tons, while the multi-caliber Rad'a-300 weighs 20 tons.
Jet weapons
The Raad-200 MLRS is equipped with a launcher for 122mm rockets. A rotating platform with an oscillating frame for the launcher package is mounted on the rear of the chassis. Hydraulic drives provide traverse of 100° to the right and left of the neutral position and vertical traverse of up to 55°.
The package is constructed as a rectangular frame made of metal profiles. It contains 30 guides—three horizontal rows of 10 each. The same 122mm caliber tubes are used as those on the BM-21, with a side screw guide to impart rotation to the missile.
The Raad-200 is designed to fire a variety of 122mm rockets. These can include the Soviet-era Grad rocket and its derivatives, including the Egyptian Sakr. The system's firing characteristics depend on the type and parameters of the rocket used.
A different launcher was developed for the new Rad'a-300 MLRS. It also features a rotating base and a hydraulically powered lifting mechanism. It utilizes a frame of different dimensions with mounts for full-size transport and launch containers. Provisions are also made for independent loading and unloading of the transport and launch containers.
The new system is positioned as a multi-caliber system, but the full range of ammunition is not yet disclosed. A unified frame is proposed for mounting transport and launch containers with different types of rockets. At a recent exhibition, the MLRS was demonstrated with four rectangular containers for 300mm rockets. Other ammunition, including the standard 122mm, can also be used.
Large-caliber missiles are reportedly borrowed from the Chinese SR5/PHL-11 MLRS. These could be 220mm and 300mm rounds. A 610mm operational-tactical missile may also be integrated.
The Chinese 220mm rocket has a launch weight of 200 kg and carries a 70 kg warhead. Its firing range is up to 75 km. The 300mm round weighs 400 kg, a quarter of which is the warhead. Its launch range is up to 150 km. Grad missiles or their modifications, on the other hand, can attack targets at a range of 40-45 km.
Big plans
Thus, Egypt plans to upgrade its rocket artillery fleet and does not want to purchase foreign equipment. Development of indigenous MLRS designs with different features and combat capabilities has begun. However, it has not been possible to completely abandon foreign components. Two such systems have been unveiled to date.
According to some reports, the Raad-200 system has already entered serial production and is being delivered to the troops. It is expected to be followed by the new Rad'a-300 in the near future. With these two new MLRS systems, the Egyptian army will be able to retire several types of obsolete equipment and improve the key characteristics of its rocket artillery.
However, it should be noted that Egyptian industry has little experience in developing artillery systems. The Raad-200 and Rad'a-300 projects could encounter problems at any stage, hindering the implementation of existing plans. If all challenges and difficulties are overcome, it will be a major success for Egyptian industry.
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