Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s defense industry has unveiled what appears to be its most ambitious rocket artillery system to date the Raad 300 a platform that analysts say could position Cairo among a small group of states capable of producing long-range, precision-guided strike systems traditionally dominated by major powers such as the United States.
The Rad’a 300 appeared publicly for the first time during recent military displays, where footage showed a multi-tube launcher mounted on a heavy tactical truck with associated command-and-control vehicles. Defense sources now confirm that the system is designed to fire guided rockets with a range of 300 kilometers, placing it firmly in the upper tier of global MLRS capabilities and matching the range class of several tactical missile systems.
Its emergence comes amid surging international demand for mobile, long-range precision artillery. Systems such as the US HIMARS and the M270 have set the global standard, particularly following their performance in Ukraine, prompting many states to seek high-end alternatives free from Western export restrictions. Egypt, which has been expanding its domestic defense sector for years, now appears poised to enter this competitive market.
Cairo’s strategic motivations are clear: a 300 km precision-strike system offers significant deterrence, deep-strike capability, and integration potential with Egypt’s growing surveillance and drone networks. It also signals the country’s intention to become not only a large-scale military power, but a serious industrial player capable of exporting advanced systems to regional and African partners.
However, Egypt has yet to disclose key technical details, including the Raad 300’s guidance method, accuracy, warhead types, and digital architecture. Analysts note that a long-range rocket alone does not make a system competitive with HIMARS; precision, command-and-control integration, and targeting quality are equally critical.
Comparison: Raad 300 vs HIMARS and Global Peers
With its confirmed 300 km range, the Raad 300 enters direct comparison with several of the world’s leading long-range MLRS and tactical missile platforms. Its exact performance and accuracy remain unknown, but a range-based comparison provides useful context.
US HIMARS (M142)
HIMARS is widely regarded as the industry benchmark. Standard GMLRS rockets have an 80 km range, while the newer PrSM missile system reaches 150–400 km depending on the variant. While HIMARS offers a shorter standard rocket range than the Raad 300, it remains unmatched in precision, battlefield integration, and combat record. To truly rival HIMARS, Egypt will need an advanced targeting ecosystem and highly accurate guided munitions, which so far is classified information.
Brazilian Astros II / Astros 2020
The Astros family is notable for its modularity and export success. Brazil’s AV-TM 300 missile, also with a 300 km range, puts Astros in a similar category to where Egypt now aims to compete. Like Astros, the Raad 300 appears positioned as a versatile, export-friendly platform.
South Korean K239 Chunmoo
Chunmoo has rapidly become the most credible HIMARS alternative available on the open market, offering guided rockets with 80–160 km ranges and proven integration with NATO militaries. While Chunmoo does not yet field a standard 300 km rocket, its precision and modular architecture make it a strong competitor. Raad 300 exceeds Chunmoo in stated range but has yet to demonstrate equivalent accuracy or maturity.
North Korean KN-09
The KN-09 MLRS reportedly fires guided 300 mm rockets with a range up to 190 km. The Raad 300 decisively surpasses it in raw range, though the KN-09’s secrecy makes precision difficult to judge. Both systems reflect a trend among non-Western states pursuing long-range guided MLRS to create asymmetric deterrence.
Chinese PHL-03 and PHL-16
China’s long-range MLRS systems have robust range and payload options, with some variants approaching or exceeding 200–280 km using guided rockets. While China reportedly fields precision MLRS with ranges comparable to the Raad 300, export versions are often downgraded. The Egyptian system’s 300 km reach places it within the same envelope as high-end Chinese platforms.
Raad 300 Stands
With a confirmed 300 km range, Egypt’s Egypt’s defense industry has unveiled what appears to be its most ambitious rocket artillery system to date, the Raad 300 a platform that analysts say could position Cairo among a small group of states capable of producing long-range, precision-guided strike systems traditionally dominated by major powers such as the United States.
The Raad 300 appeared publicly for the first time during recent military displays, where footage showed a multi-tube launcher mounted on a heavy tactical truck with associated command-and-control vehicles. Defense sources now confirm that the system is designed to fire guided rockets with a range of 300 kilometers, placing it firmly in the upper tier of global MLRS capabilities and matching the range class of several tactical missile systems.
Its emergence comes amid surging international demand for mobile, long-range precision artillery. Systems such as the US HIMARS and the M270 have set the global standard, particularly following their performance in Ukraine prompting many states to seek high-end alternatives free from Western export restrictions. Egypt, which has been expanding its domestic defense sector for years, now appears poised to enter this competitive market.
Cairo’s strategic motivations are clear: a 300 km precision-strike system offers significant deterrence, deep-strike capability, and integration potential with Egypt’s growing surveillance and drone networks. It also signals the country’s intention to become not only a large-scale military power, but a serious industrial player capable of exporting advanced systems to regional and African partners.
