Type 96 122 mm Towed Howitzer

Reading Time: 2 minutes The Type 96 (also marketed as PL‑96) is a Chinese 122 mm towed howitzer developed from the Soviet‑era D‑30 lineage and optimised for modern PLA requirements. It retains the D‑30’s rugged, three‑leg mounting concept while incorporating local manufacturing refinements: a longer barrel, improved recoil arrangements and simplified maintenance features. The Type 96 is intended to provide flexible divisional and brigade‑level indirect fires with improved range and burst performance compared with older 122 mm designs. Operational role Deliver brigade and divisional indirect fires for suppression, interdiction and counter‑battery tasks. Support combined arms manoeuvre by providing rapid, high‑volume barrages and area‑effect fires. Operate in riverine, coastal and semi‑open terrain where a balance of mobility and range is required. Serve as a front‑line battery for manoeuvre forces and as a training platform for gunnery schools. Design & Performance Ballistics and range: Uses standard 122 mm ammunition with compatibility for