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35 mm grenade
35 mm grenade
35 mm grenade
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A QLZ-87 AGS fitted with 35×32 mm high-velocity grenades

The 35 mm grenade is a type of grenade launcher ammunition of Chinese origin. The type consists of many high-velocity and low-velocity grenades with a caliber of 35 mm (1.38 in).

History

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Thirty-five millimeter grenades are proprietary designs originating from China. In the 1980s, China began to experiment with different types of grenade launchers. Chinese designers felt Soviet 30 mm grenades had inadequate firepower, while NATO 40 mm grenades lacked portability, resulting in the adoption of 35 mm grenades for their grenade launchers, such as the QLZ-87 and QLZ-04.[1]

Grenade types

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35 mm high velocity

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35×32 mm Type 87

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A Type 87 grenade launcher in the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution
A QLZ-04 with 30-round 35×32 mm ammo container

The 35 mm Type 87 is a series of high velocity grenades designed for Type 87 grenade launchers and other automatic grenade launchers. The grenades are stabilized with spin rifling. The Type 87 has a typical grenade design with the propellant stored in the base, the warhead in the middle and the fuse in the nose section. The grenade is semi-rimmed with a relatively short case.[1][2]

The shells are stored in an ammo box or attached to a belt. In additional to the Type 87, the ammo can also be used by the Type 04 automatic grenade launcher.[1][2] The QLB-06, also known as the QLZ-87B, is an improved version of the Type 87 grenade launcher and shares its ammunition.[3]

Various warhead types are available for 35×32mmSR Type 87s:[4]

  • DFS-87 (Chinese: DFS-87杀伤弹): Anti-personnel fragmentation grenade (HE-frag)
  • DFJ-87 (Chinese: DFJ-87破甲杀伤弹): Dual purpose, armor-piercing grenade (HEDP)
  • DFR-87 (Chinese: DFR-87燃烧弹): Incendiary grenade
  • DFN-87 (Chinese: DFN-87杀伤燃烧弹): Anti-personnel fragmentation incendiary grenade
  • DFD-87 (Chinese: DFD-87烟雾弹): Smoke/marker grenade, with colored smoke

Type 87 cartridge specification:[4]

  • Weight: 217–250 g (7.7–8.8 oz) (HE-frag and HEDP)
  • Muzzle velocity: 190 m/s (620 ft/s) (HE-frag and HEDP)
  • Maximum range: 1,750 m (5,740 ft) (HE-frag and HEDP)
  • Blast radius: 11 m (36 ft) (HE-?)
  • Penetration: 80 mm (3.1 in) of RHA (HEDP)

35×32 mm Type 11

[edit]

The QLU-11 utilizes a new version of the 35×32mmSR (through old types are compatible).[5] New ammunition is specifically designed for long range accuracy. Type 11 long range cartridges are derived from the DFJ-87 HEDP grenades, but the weights are reduced from 217 to 200 g (7.7 to 7.1 oz) due to lighter casings. Propellant takes a larger percentage of the cartridge space, thus improving the velocity from 195 to 320 m/s (640 to 1,050 ft/s). This modification greatly increases the recoil, which QLU-11 features advanced primer ignition (API) blowback to mitigate.[6]

35 mm low velocity

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35×115 mm Type 91

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The 35×115 mm Type 91 grenades are a series of low velocity grenades designed for the Type 91 grenade launcher, which comes with shoulder-launched, rifle-attached, and vehicle-mounted variants. The cartridge has a conventional design for breech loading similar to NATO 40 mm low velocity grenades.[7]

Various warhead types are available for 35×115 mm Type 91, including:[8]

  • DFB-91 (Chinese: DFB-91震爆弹): Stun grenade
  • DFT-91 (Chinese: DFT-91痛球弹): Sting grenade
  • DFR-91 (Chinese: DFR-91染色弹): Paintball grenade
  • DFC-91 (Chinese: DFC-91催泪弹): Tear gas
  • DFG-91 (Chinese: DFG-91闪光弹): Flashbang

35 mmCL Type 10

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Type 10 is a series of low-velocity grenades designed for the QLG-10 and QLG-10A rifle-attached grenade launchers. Standard Type 10 projectiles are caseless,[9] and weigh 169 g (6.0 oz) with muzzle velocities of 78 m/s (260 ft/s).[10] Type 10 grenades utilize high-low cartridges designed for low recoil operation with extended range. The grenade has an effective range of 400 m (1,300 ft).[11][12]

Various warhead types are available for the 35 mmCL Type 10, including:

  • DFS-10 (Chinese: DFS-10碰炸杀伤榴弹): High-explosive fragmentation grenade (HE-frag). Effective against infantry personal inside 400 m (1,300 ft) range.
  • DFS-10A (Chinese: DFS-10A跳炸杀伤榴弹): Bouncing air-burst fragmentation grenade (HE) with 400 m (1,300 ft) range. Equipped with pre-set airburst munition and jump-up detonation fuse, similar to the US M397A1 40 mm cartridge.
  • DFJ-10 (Chinese: DFJ-10破甲杀伤榴弹): High-explosive dual purpose grenade (HEDP) that is effective against infantry personnel inside a 400 m (1,300 ft) range, as well as against light vehicles in a 100 m (330 ft) range
  • DFX-10 (Chinese: DFX-10弹道指示榴弹): Trajectory marker grenade (T) with 400 m (1,300 ft) range, can be used for trajectory adjustment for other grenade types
  • DFD-10 (Chinese: DFD-10烟雾弹): Smoke grenade with 400 m (1,300 ft) range, with colored smoke available

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

35 mm grenade

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 35 mm grenade is a family of developed in for grenade launchers, encompassing both high-velocity and low-velocity variants designed for anti-personnel, anti-armor, incendiary, smoke, and less-lethal applications. These s feature a 35 mm caliber (with a 38 mm rim in some cases) and are spin-stabilized for accuracy, typically weighing around 0.25 kg for high-velocity types and 0.169 kg for low-velocity projectiles. They are fired from crew-served automatic launchers like the QLZ-87 and or under-barrel models such as the QLG-10, offering ranges of up to 430 meters for low-velocity rounds and a maximum of 1,750 meters for high-velocity ones. Development of the 35 mm grenade began in the early as part of China's effort to create indigenous grenade launcher systems, driven by the need for lightweight, mobile weapons suited to the country's diverse terrain, including mountainous regions. The caliber was selected to balance firepower, portability, and armor-piercing capability, filling a gap between Soviet 30 mm and 40 mm standards while avoiding direct compatibility issues. By the late , the high-velocity Type 87 series entered production, derived from experimental designs like the launcher, and was fully adopted in the early with the QLZ-87 system. Low-velocity variants, such as the (DFS-10), emerged later for integration with assault rifles like the , inspired by Russian VOG-25 designs but adapted for caseless propulsion. High-velocity 35 mm grenades, designated Type 87 (35x32 mm), are propelled at 190-200 m/s and loaded in 6- or 15-round drums or belts for sustained fire. Key variants include the DFS-87 high-explosive fragmentation round with an 11-meter lethal radius, the DFJ-87 projectile capable of penetrating 80 mm of steel armor, the DFR-87 incendiary, the DFN-87 anti-personnel incendiary, and the DFD-87 smoke marker. These are primarily used by the in squad-level suppression roles via the QLZ-87 and its belt-fed successor. In contrast, low-velocity 35 mm grenades like the DFS-10 series achieve a muzzle velocity of 78 m/s and are caseless with pre-engraved for stabilization, making them suitable for rifle-mounted . Variants encompass high-explosive fragmentation, high-explosive dual-purpose, inert practice, and less-lethal options, with a maximum of 430 meters. Adopted for the QLG-10 and QLG-10A under-barrel on rifles, these grenades enhance infantry versatility in close-quarters and urban engagements. Overall, 35 mm grenades have been exported to countries including , , and , underscoring their role in modernizing Chinese and allied forces' capabilities.

Overview

General Characteristics

The 35 mm grenade refers to a family of grenade launcher developed in , standardized at a 35 mm projectile diameter to support suppression and area-denial roles. This encompasses high-velocity variants, such as the 35×32 mm series designed for automatic s, and low-velocity variants, such as the caseless 35 mm (DFS-10) series intended for under-barrel launchers like the QLG-10. Basic ballistic performance varies by velocity type, with typical weights ranging from 169 g for low-velocity rounds to 217–250 g for high-velocity ones. Muzzle velocities span 78 m/s for low-velocity s and up to 190 m/s for high-velocity, enabling effective ranges of 430 m for low-velocity and 600–1,750 m for high-velocity applications. These grenades rely on spin-stabilization imparted by rifled barrels in launchers such as the QLZ-87, ensuring stability without fins. Warhead options cover a range of effects, including high-explosive fragmentation (HE-frag) for anti-personnel use, high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) for combined anti-armor and fragmentation, incendiary for fire-starting, and smoke for screening or marking. Non-lethal variants provide crowd-control capabilities through stun, , or marker payloads. Ammunition designs differ by velocity: low-velocity rounds often employ caseless or semi-caseless construction for simplicity in systems, while high-velocity types use metallic cases that are semi-rimmed to facilitate reliable feeding in automatic weapons.

Design Philosophy

The development of the 35 mm stemmed from Chinese military assessments in the that identified shortcomings in foreign systems: Soviet 30 mm grenades like those for the offered insufficient explosive payload and penetration for desired effects against light armor, while 40 mm grenades, such as the 40×46 mm low-velocity rounds, imposed excessive weight and that hindered man-portability in maneuvers. Designers thus adopted 35 mm as a compromise , balancing size for effective lethality with manageable dimensions for lightweight launchers suitable for squad-level transport in varied terrains. This caliber provides key performance advantages, including a flatter and extended —up to 600 m direct fire and 1,750 m maximum—compared to NATO 40 mm low-velocity grenades, which typically limit direct fire to around 400 m due to lower muzzle velocities of approximately 76 m/s versus the 35 mm high-velocity rounds' 190 m/s. Additionally, automatic grenade launchers weigh 12–20 kg while supporting sustained rates of fire up to 300–400 rounds per minute in burst mode for squad suppression. Tactically, the 35 mm grenade fills a critical niche between individual rifle grenades and heavier crew-served weapons, enabling squads to deliver against exposed personnel at ranges beyond small-arms effective limits, while high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) variants penetrate up to 80 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) at 0° obliquity for engaging light vehicles and fortifications. It also supports area denial through fragmentation effects with a lethal radius of approximately 11 m, allowing small units to control key terrain without relying on . To further optimize these roles, innovations emphasize management and efficiency: high-velocity systems incorporate advanced primer ignition blowback mechanisms, as in the Type 11 (QLU-11) launcher, to counter the increased forces from higher velocities while maintaining semi-automatic operation; meanwhile, low-velocity variants like the DFS-10 employ caseless designs that integrate directly into the , reducing bulk and easing supply chains for underbarrel applications.

History and Development

Origins and Influences

Following the in the early 1960s, which severed China's access to Soviet and designs, the pursued greater in arms production throughout the 1970s. This effort intensified after Deng Xiaoping's military reforms initiated in 1979, which sought to modernize the (PLA) by emphasizing indigenous development of small arms to reduce dependence on foreign imports and copies. These reforms, part of a broader push to professionalize the PLA and streamline its structure, allocated resources to domestic (R&D) despite limited budgets, with defense spending constituting about 11.9% of the state budget in 1985 before declining to 9.1% by 1990. The focus on self-sufficiency was encapsulated in directives like equipping the PLA with "the world's best weapons," driving the creation of new weapons systems tailored to Chinese tactical needs. Technical influences for the 35 mm grenade stemmed from analyses of captured and studied foreign systems during conflicts such as the and the Soviet-Afghan War. Chinese designers examined the Soviet 30 mm automatic grenade launcher, noting its limitations in grenade range and due to the smaller caliber's reduced capacity, which constrained effective engagement distances to around 1,700 meters. In contrast, U.S. 40 mm systems like the underbarrel M203 and the heavier Mk 19 were critiqued for their bulkiness and weight, with the M203 adding significant load to infantry rifles and the Mk 19 requiring tripod mounting that hindered mobility in rugged terrain. The 35 mm caliber emerged as a deliberate compromise, offering improved firepower and velocity over 30 mm designs while maintaining portability superior to 40 mm options, aligning with the PLA's emphasis on lightweight weapons for company-level infantry operations. Initial R&D for the 35 mm grenade began in the late 1970s at the Mechanical Research Institute of the Hua Dong Industrial Academy in , under the leadership of professors Liu Jia Peng for the launcher and Yu Qi for the . This work, conducted amid post-1979 reforms prioritizing high-velocity projectiles for automatic grenade launchers, aimed to support modern emphasizing rapid suppression fire. By the early , the program had progressed to developing prototypes focused on roller-delayed blowback mechanisms, rejecting the blowback system of the for better reliability. , established in 1980 as the primary export arm of China's defense industry, soon integrated these efforts, with five generations of prototypes culminating in the W87 launcher by 1987. Early prototypes underwent rigorous testing in the mid-to-late 1980s, benchmarked directly against foreign systems like the and Mk 19 to validate performance in range, accuracy, and armor penetration. These evaluations highlighted the 35 mm design's advantages in balancing velocity—achieving effective ranges beyond those of 30 mm grenades—while keeping system weight under 12 kg for the . Export potential was a key consideration from the outset, with promoting the internationally by 1988, including demonstrations at the U.S. Army's , to appeal to allies seeking affordable alternatives to Soviet or Western armaments. This orientation supported China's strategy of arms , positioning the 35 mm system as a viable option for nations in , , and .

Key Developments and Milestones

The development of 35 mm grenade technology began in the late 1980s with the finalization of the Type 87 high-velocity round, which addressed the need for a lightweight, high-performance ammunition compatible with automatic launchers inspired by Soviet designs like the AGS-17. This round featured improved for greater effective range and penetration, enabling sustained in operations. By the early , the Type 87 was fully integrated with the QLZ-87 grenade launcher, a gas-operated system that achieved a cyclic rate of 350–450 rounds per minute through advancements in propellant efficiency and mitigation via a heavy barrel and bipod configuration. In the , Chinese engineers shifted focus toward versatile applications, introducing the low-velocity primarily for non-lethal roles such as and area denial with less . This variant utilized a shorter cartridge case to reduce velocity and , allowing integration with underbarrel on standard . Simultaneously, the QLG-10 caseless emerged as an innovative lightweight alternative, eliminating brass casings to cut weight by up to 40% and enhance ammunition capacity, though it required careful formulation to manage heat buildup during extended firing. The 2010s saw further evolution with the Type 11 long-range variant, optimized for the QLU-11 underbarrel launcher and achieving muzzle velocities up to 320 m/s through refined and blends. This ammunition extended engagement ranges beyond 800 meters while incorporating modular options for precision strikes. The QLU-11 itself incorporated advanced management, including a hydraulic buffer system, to maintain accuracy during semi-automatic fire from platforms. Post-2020 developments have emphasized integration with , including micro-drones launched directly from 35 mm grenade launchers to deliver payloads over extended ranges with reduced risk to operators, though adoption remains limited due to integration challenges. Export variants, such as the LG5 designation for the QLU-11, have been adapted with Picatinny rails for compatibility with Western optics and sighting systems, facilitating sales to international partners. Ongoing efforts continue to refine propellant efficiency to support higher sustained fire rates without excessive barrel wear.

Associated Launchers

High-Velocity Systems

High-velocity systems for 35 mm grenades center on launchers chambered in 35×32 mm, a cartridge delivering muzzle velocities of approximately 190 m/s to enable long-range support against personnel and light fortifications. These platforms emphasize automatic or semi-automatic operation, distinguishing them from low-velocity designs by prioritizing lethality and suppression over non-lethal applications. The QLZ-87 (Type 87), introduced in 1987 by , serves as the foundational in this category. This gas-operated, air-cooled weapon weighs 12 kg unloaded and 20 kg when mounted on its , with a bipod option for lighter deployment. It achieves a cyclic rate of 350 rounds per minute and an of 1,750 m on tripod, or 600 m for point targets from the shoulder, making it suitable for crew-served roles in . Feeding via 6- or 15-round drums or disintegrating belts, the QLZ-87 employs a locked-breech mechanism for reliable cycling under sustained fire. The QLZ-87 can be equipped with optical sights featuring 3× magnification and an 11° , improving accuracy for engagements up to 1,000 m. The , introduced in the early 2000s as a successor to the QLZ-87, is a belt-fed weighing 26 kg. It maintains compatibility with 35×32 mm ammunition, achieves a cyclic rate of 350-400 rounds per minute, and has an of 1,750 m, often used in vehicle-mounted or crew-served configurations. Developed in the , the QLU-11 advances high-velocity capabilities toward precision "sniper" roles while maintaining compatibility with 35×32 mm ammunition. This gas-operated, semi-automatic launcher weighs around 13.4 kg and features recoil mitigation through a and adjustable stock, allowing one-man portability and bipod firing. It supports 5- or 7-round drum magazines and integrates advanced fire control systems, including rangefinders and ballistic computers, for effective ranges exceeding 1,000 m against point targets. Though designed as a standalone system, the QLU-11 aligns with rifle squads by sharing ammunition logistics, enabling rapid semi-automatic follow-up shots in direct fire scenarios. These launchers operate on gas impingement principles to drive the bolt, ensuring consistent performance with the high-pressure 35×32 mm rounds, and typically feed from drums or belts accommodating 6 to 15 projectiles for sustained squad-level suppression. Integrated into infantry units, they provide mobile, vehicle-mountable firepower for anti-personnel and light vehicle engagements. Accessories like or optical sights facilitate beyond-1,000 m targeting, while and vehicular adaptations enhance stability in defensive positions.

Low-Velocity Systems

Low-velocity 35 mm grenade launchers are engineered for short-range, low-pressure operations, prioritizing portability, reduced recoil, and compatibility with non-lethal or specialized ammunition to minimize overpenetration in confined environments like urban settings or crowd control scenarios. The Type 91 launcher, developed in the early 1990s, serves as a foundational low-velocity system, functioning as a single-shot, handheld device capable of shoulder-fired or rifle-mounted configurations for delivering 35×115 mm plastic-cased grenades. Primarily oriented toward non-lethal applications such as riot control, its design emphasizes simplicity and ease of use for infantry in internal security roles. A more advanced iteration is the QLG-10 series, developed in the for integration with the as an underbarrel attachment. This single-shot, muzzle-loading launcher fires caseless DFS-10 35 mm grenades, achieving a of 78 m/s and an of approximately 430 m, with the projectile weighing 169 g. Weighing 1.45 kg and measuring 310 mm in length, the QLG-10 employs a straightforward trigger-fired mechanism to manage low effectively, while the caseless design—modeled after Russian VOG-25 concepts—lightens the overall system and reduces jamming potential compared to cased alternatives. The QLG-10A variant adapts the design for the updated QBZ-95-1 rifle, incorporating ergonomic improvements like a redesigned , and both models support or optional red dot optics for targeting. Adopted by the , these launchers facilitate grenade-launching rifle integration tailored to urban operations, training exercises, and less-lethal engagements where precision and controllability outweigh the extended ranges of high-velocity systems.

High-Velocity Ammunition

35×32 mm Type 87

The 35×32 mm Type 87 is a semi-rimmed, high-velocity cartridge designed for automatic fire in launchers, featuring a conventional layout with stored in the aluminum base, in the middle, and in the pointed nose. The cartridge measures 35 mm in diameter with a 32 mm case length and weighs approximately 250 grams overall. It achieves a of 190 m/s from a rifled barrel, enabling a maximum range of 1,750 meters. The Type 87 grenades are spin-stabilized by the rifled barrel for improved accuracy during high-velocity flight and automatic fire sequences. They employ an inertia-armed impact fuze that activates 12–30 meters after launch to ensure safety during the initial trajectory. This design supports sustained rates of fire in systems like the . Several warhead variants are available, each tailored for specific tactical effects while maintaining the core cartridge specifications:
VariantTypeKey Performance
DFS-87High-explosive fragmentation (HE-frag)10–11 m casualty radius from lethal fragmentation up to 10 m
DFJ-87High-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP)80 mm armor penetration at 0° obliquity; 5 m fragmentation radius
DFR-87IncendiaryProduces incendiary effects on impact
DFN-87Fragmentation-incendiaryCombines fragmentation with incendiary effects
DFD-87Emits colored smoke (red/orange, red-silver/black, or blue) for marking

35×32 mm Type 11

The 35×32 mm Type 11 represents an advanced iteration of high-velocity ammunition designed specifically for precision long-range engagements with the QLU-11 , entering service with the in the 2010s to mitigate the effective range constraints of prior munitions like the Type 87 in dynamic conditions. This cartridge evolved from the DFJ-87 high-explosive dual-purpose round, incorporating a lighter construction at 200 g through the use of a thinner casing that allows for increased volume, achieving a of 320 m/s to produce a significantly flatter compared to earlier variants. The design prioritizes enhanced ballistic performance while enabling accurate fire against point targets at extended distances with the QLU-11. Primarily featuring a high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) optimized for anti-armor roles, the Type 11 provides an of up to 1,000 m for point targets and 1,750 m for area targets, with reduced overall facilitating sustained use in semi-automatic configurations such as the bipod-mounted QLU-11. This adaptation supports both direct-impact and airburst effects, allowing operators to engage armored vehicles, fortifications, or defilade positions beyond the capabilities of standard 35 mm rounds. The system includes selectable impact or airburst modes, with arming distance calibrated to accommodate the higher and minimize premature risks during high-angle or low-angle trajectories. Safety mechanisms ensure reliable performance in varied environmental conditions, contributing to the cartridge's suitability for and roles in modern infantry tactics.

Low-Velocity Ammunition

35×115 mm Type 91

The Type 91 is a series of low-velocity, cased ammunition developed for non-lethal and specialty grenade launcher applications, featuring a rimless dual-chamber case designed to produce a controlled, low-pressure propellant burn. This plastic-cased configuration supports safe operation in handheld launchers and is primarily used for riot control purposes. It is deployed in low-velocity systems like the Type 91 launcher for domestic security operations.

35 mmCL Type 10

The 35 mmCL Type 10 represents a series of low-velocity caseless grenades developed in during the 2000s specifically for the QLG-10 and QLG-10A under-barrel grenade launchers, which attach to and QBZ-95-1 assault rifles to extend engagement capabilities beyond . These munitions integrate the and into a single unit without a metallic or case, enabling a compact, lightweight profile that supports rapid deployment in squad-level tactics. Introduced to modernize Chinese rifle-grenade systems, the Type 10 emphasizes reliability in close-quarters and urban environments, drawing design inspiration from Russian VOG-25 grenades while adapting to PLA operational needs. Key specifications include a 35 mm with a caseless (CL) configuration, total projectile weight of 169 g, of 78 m/s, and maximum of 430 m, achieved through pre-engraved on the grenade for in-flight stabilization via the launcher's rifled barrel. The integrated design eliminates traditional casing ejection, reducing logistical demands by minimizing spent components and overall weight, which is particularly beneficial for extended patrols. However, the block's exposure makes it sensitive to moisture absorption, necessitating sealed storage to prevent degradation. Available warhead variants cater to diverse tactical roles, with a focus on urban combat effectiveness: the DFS-10 serves as the primary high-explosive fragmentation (HE-frag) round for anti-personnel effects; the DFJ-10 functions as a high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) munition; and other options include inert practice and less-lethal rounds. These options, produced by Chinese state ordnance facilities, allow riflemen to switch payloads quickly via muzzle-loading, contrasting with the cased Type 91's emphasis on non-lethal applications in standalone systems.

Operators and Use

Domestic Adoption in China

The 35 mm grenade system has been a standard component of the (PLA) Ground Force arsenal since the mid-1990s, with the QLZ-87 entering service in 1996 as the primary high-velocity platform. It is issued to units for enhanced squad-level firepower and to for versatile tactical support, complementing assault rifles like the and the newer through underbarrel variants such as the QLG-10 and QLG-91B. These integrations allow for rapid deployment in operations, where the launcher's portability enables dismounted troops to provide against personnel and light vehicles. As of 2025, a new 35 mm underbarrel grenade launcher variant has been integrated with the rifle. In PLA doctrine, 35 mm grenades serve as critical squad-level weapons within QLZ-87-equipped units, delivering high-explosive and armor-piercing effects at ranges up to 1,750 meters for area targets, with training regimens emphasizing precision engagements at 1,000 meters to simulate extended battlefield scenarios. Non-lethal variants, including rounds, are employed for internal security operations, as seen in vehicles like the ZFB-91, which mounts a 35 mm launcher for with up to 75 rounds. The Type 87 high-velocity remains the foundational round for these roles, offering an 11-meter lethal radius and penetration of up to 80 mm of armor. Norinco, under the China North Industries Corporation, handles the manufacturing of both launchers and 35×32 mm , producing them in substantial volumes to meet PLA requirements across ground forces. This domestic production ensures self-sufficiency, with output supporting widespread distribution to battalions and ongoing stockpiling for mechanized formations. Post-2020 evolutions include upgrades to the Type 11 variant, which enhances range and lethality for the QLU-11 precision grenade launcher, adapting it specifically for anti-drone roles by enabling accurate intercepts of small unmanned aerial vehicles at distances up to 800 meters.

International Exports and Deployment

The 35 mm grenade systems, primarily through exports of the QLZ-87 and related variants, have seen adoption outside China by countries including (early 2000s), (acquired around 2011), , , , , and . has integrated the QLZ-87 into military operations and training exercises, focusing on marine and maneuvers to enhance rapid reaction capabilities in regional security operations. employs the QLZ-87 for squad-level in border and roles. Non-state actors, including Al-Shabaab in , have obtained QLZ-87 launchers via illicit channels, often captured from Somali government or forces, enabling their use in against international troops. The QLZ-87 has seen combat deployments in African conflicts, including the , Sudanese conflicts in and , the , and the . As of 2025, examples include captures by M23 rebels in the . In contrast to the People's Liberation Army's widespread domestic employment for mechanized infantry support, these exports highlight niche roles in allied or proxy forces facing logistical constraints. Global proliferation faces hurdles, including incompatibility with NATO-standard 40 mm grenade logistics, which complicates resupply and joint operations for non-Chinese users. Additionally, escalating U.S.-China tensions since 2020 have imposed stricter export controls and sanctions on Norinco, limiting further sales and maintenance support for existing recipients.

References

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  30. https://www.reddit.com/r/ForgottenWeapons/comments/1nmvb0x/new_35mm_under_barrel_grenade_launcher_for_qbz191/
  31. https://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/magazine/issues/2020/Fall/pdf/5_Arostegui-HIMOB.pdf
  32. https://www.militantwire.com/p/analysis-weapons-used-and-captured
  33. https://www.reddit.com/r/ForgottenWeapons/comments/1keksct/drc_soldiers_capture_a_rare_chinese_made_norinco/
  34. https://www.dwt.com/insights/2020/05/us-bis-china-technology-export-ban
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