Algeria, a country with a long-standing focus on national security and defense, has taken a significant stride towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. Recently, the Algerian military laid the foundation for kickstarting its military defense industry, aiming to design, build, and manufacture “complex weapons” systems. This ambitious endeavor has been made possible through a Presidential decree authorizing the establishment of a Technical System Development Establishment. This institution will be responsible for conducting studies, design engineering, and manufacturing of weapons and specific ammunition.
As part of this strategic move, Algeria has also entered into a partnership with China, allowing the country to manufacture heavy Chinese weaponry under license. Notably, the CS/LM5 and CS/LM12-M1 multi-barrel rotary machine guns, along with the LG5/QLU-11 automatic grenade launcher, are among the advanced weapons to be manufactured. The weapons will be manufactured by Algeria’s Mechanical Engineerring Company, Khenchela.
CS/LM5 12.7 mm rotary barrel machine gun
CS/LM5 12.7 mm rotary barrel machine gun is produced by China North Industries Group. The product is composed of gun body, shooting controller, frame base, soft guide, ammunition box, ammunition chain and other parts. It is mainly used to deal with low-altitude, ultra-low-altitude flying targets and fast-moving light armored targets or to suppress ground or surface targets within a distance of 1500 meters.
QLU-11 or LG5 semi-automatic grenade launcher
The QLU-11 or LG5 is a semi-automatic grenade launcher developed by Norinco and introduced in 2011. The launcher’s designation “QLU” stands for “light weapon (Qīng Wŭqì) – grenade (Liúdàn) – sniper (Jūjī)” in Chinese military coding standard. The LG5/QLU-11 can be equipped with free-floating barrel, a fire-control system with a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging capability, and a ballistic computer that gives it air burst capability. The QLU-11 was tested in combat against Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden by Chinese marines. The LG5/QLU-11 is designed for long-range use and so has been described as a “sniper” grenade launcher. Befitting that designation, it is said to have a very high accuracy of 3-round R100 accuracy of 1 meter at 600 meter range, meaning that with proper aiming the weapon can put three successive high-explosive rounds into a typical window or door. Its development was inspired by the American Barrett XM109 anti-materiel rifle, which fires 25 × 59 mm grenades, and its design is based on the Chinese HSARI LR2 .50 caliber anti-material rifle.
The LG5 is the export version of the People’s Liberation Army’s QLU-11, which Norinco first introduced in 2011. The primary difference between the two is that the PLA’s version fires the Chinese military’s standard 35x32mm grenade, while the model intended for foreign sales uses ubiquitous 40x53mm rounds, an ammunition type that the United States originally developed.
Boosting Domestic Defense Capabilities:
Algeria’s decision to embark on manufacturing heavy Chinese weaponry under license demonstrates the country’s commitment to enhancing its domestic defense capabilities. By creating a Technical System Development Establishment, Algeria aims to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers and become self-reliant in producing advanced weaponry. This move aligns with the country’s broader goal of developing a robust military defense industry capable of meeting its own defense requirements.
Strategic Partnership with China:
The partnership between Algeria and China in defense manufacturing marks a significant milestone for both countries. China, renowned for its technological expertise in the defense sector, will provide Algeria with the necessary technology transfer and licensing agreements to manufacture weapons such as the CS/LM5 and CS/LM12-M1 multi-barrel rotary machine guns and the LG5/QLU-11 automatic grenade launcher. This collaboration not only strengthens bilateral ties between Algeria and China but also enables Algeria to access cutting-edge military technology and know-how.
By manufacturing heavy Chinese weaponry under license, Algeria gains several advantages. First and foremost, it accelerates the production process, allowing Algeria to swiftly obtain advanced weaponry without going through lengthy research and development stages. Additionally, by acquiring the license, Algeria gains the necessary technical expertise and knowledge to maintain and upgrade these weapons, ensuring long-term sustainability.
By developing domestic manufacturing capabilities, Algeria can reduce its defense imports and redirect resources towards the growth of its own defense industry. This move will create new employment opportunities, enhance local manufacturing capacity, and foster technological innovation. The Algerian nascent defense industry previously received a boost when on November 2018, the government of Russia and Algeria hinted at the possibility of creating a joint venture in Algeria for the production, extension of service life and disposal of guided and unguided ammunition.
