Chinese M777: Yemeni Group Receives AH4 Howitzers

Chinese 155 mm AH4 howitzers were first recorded as part of the Southern Giants, a formation supported by the United Arab Emirates in Yemen.

Previously, the same howitzers were documented in Sudan, where they are used by the Rapid Response Force (RSF), also supported by the UAE, according to the Defence Blog.

The AH4 is manufactured by the Chinese state-owned company Norinco. It is a lightweight towed howitzer weighing about 4.5 tons – significantly less than the classic 18-ton system.

It can be transported by heavy CH-47 or Mi-26 helicopters and C-130 or Y-8 military transport aircraft.

The design of the AH4 is similar to the American light howitzer M777, which is manufactured by BAE Systems. Both systems are designed to provide long-range fire support with the ability to move quickly in difficult conditions and be delivered by air.

The AH4 has a range of up to 40 km when firing rocket-propelled grenades. This makes it possible to support mobile ground units and engage targets at a distance without the need for heavier artillery.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the UAE is the only confirmed foreign operator of the AH4 outside of China. The proliferation of this system in several regional conflicts underscores Abu Dhabi’s influence and role in shaping the military balance in Yemen and Sudan.