What do the PLA’s ‘Steel Rain’ shells say about its war plans for Taiwan?

AdvertisementTaiwanChinaMilitaryWhat do the PLA’s ‘Steel Rain’ shells say about its war plans for Taiwan?New airburst munitions that shower targets with metal fragments are designed to attack personnel and lightly protected equipment3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenGabriel DominguezPublished: 6:00pm, 23 Jul 2026The People’s Liberation Army has showcased new airburst munitions that shower targets with metal fragments, offering the latest hint of how its long-range rocket artillery might be used in a Taiwan conflict.Released on Sunday by the PLA-affiliated China Military Bugle social media channel under the title “Steel Rain”, the footage shows several PHL-191-launched rockets detonating above what appears to be a desert training range, showering a wide area with high-speed metal fragments.

The video appears intended to highlight an airburst fragmentation warhead designed to attack personnel and lightly protected equipment.The PHL-191, also known as the PHL-16 or PCL-191, is a long-range rocket system that some analysts describe as China’s answer to the US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars). It was used in the PLA’s massive drill near Taiwan last December.

Analysts say the footage suggests that, in a Taiwan conflict, Beijing could prioritise efforts to disrupt Taiwan’s ability to detect, communicate and respond before larger air and amphibious operations begin. 02:01China calls nuclear submarine missile test ‘routine’ as Australia, Japan voice concerns“The use of airburst rockets is notable because it signals that these particular weapons would not be used for targeting assets that Taiwan normally stores in mountains and bunkers,” said Mike Bosack, director of the Parley Policy Initiative.AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.

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