Norinco
The China Ordnance Industries Group Corporation Limited (Chinese: 中国兵器工业集团有限公司),[3] also known as China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Chinese: 中国北方工业集团有限公司), officially abbreviated as Norinco, is a Chinese state-owned defense corporation that manufactures a diverse range of civil and military products. It is also involved in domestic civil construction and military defense projects.[4][5] Norinco is one of the world's largest defense contractors.[6][7][8]
Native name | 中国兵器工业集团有限公司 |
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Formerly | China North Industries Group Corporation |
State owned | |
Industry | Defense industry Aerospace industry |
Founded | August 1988 |
Headquarters | , |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Jiao Kaihe (Chairman) Liu Dashan (President)[1] |
Products | Munitions tank and artillery shells, firearms, grenade launchers, artillery, mortars, autocannons, rotary cannons, turrets, remote controlled weapon stations, CIWS, anti-aircraft cannons, Explosives combat vehicles, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles Radars Electro-optical devices missiles, cruise missiles, MLRSs, rockets |
Revenue | ~US$62 billion[2] |
Number of employees | 276,600 (2015) |
Parent | SASAC |
Website | www.norincogroup.com.cn |
China North Industries Group Corporation Limited | |||||||
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Simplified Chinese | 中国北方工业集团有限公司 | ||||||
Traditional Chinese | 中國北方工業集團有限公司 | ||||||
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Alternative Chinese name | |||||||
Simplified Chinese | 中国兵器工业集团有限公司 | ||||||
Traditional Chinese | 中國兵器工業集團有限公司 | ||||||
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History
Established in 1980 with the approval of the State Council of China, Norinco is an enterprise group engaged in both products and capital operation, integrated with research and development, manufacturing, marketing and services. Norinco mainly deals with defense products, petroleum & mineral resources development, international engineering contracting, optronic products, civilian explosives and chemical products, sporting arms and equipment, vehicles and logistics operation, etc. Norinco has been ranked among the forefront of China's 500 largest state-owned enterprises in terms of total assets and revenue.
International customers
Some of Norinco's international customers include Pakistan, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it negotiated arms-for-minerals deals, as well as Venezuela.[9][10]
Products
Norinco produces firearms, grenade launchers, light and armored vehicles, tanks, aircraft, UAVs, artillery, fuel air bombs, precision strike systems, missiles, air defence and anti-missile systems, air-launched weapons, amphibious assault weapons and equipment, night vision products, long-range suppression weapon systems, machinery, radars, optoelectronic products, engineering equipment, oil field equipments, chemicals, light industrial products, explosives and blast materials, infantry equipments, high-effect destruction systems, anti-riot equipment, civil and military firearms and ammunition.
Riot control
Weapons
- 38mm Anti-Riot Revolver Launcher, tear gas grenade launcher
- LW2 38mm Anti-Riot Launcher, tear gas grenade launcher
- 64mm/38mm Tear Gas Grenade Launcher, mounted multiple tear gas grenade launcher
- ZM-87, a portable laser disturber
Vehicles
- VN-3, armored personnel carrier
- VN-4, armored personnel carrier
Military
Grenade launchers
- Type 87 (also known as QLZ87) 35 mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL)
Anti-tank weapons
- Type 69 RPG anti-armor rocket launcher, clone of RPG-7
- Type 98 anti-tank rocket 120 mm anti-tank rocket system
Assault and battle rifles
- CQ, clone of M16A1 variant of M16 rifle
- CQ-A, clone of M4A1 variant of M4 carbine
- CQ-B, clone of M16A4 variant of M16 rifle
- M14, M14S or M305B, 7.62x51 clone of M1A, a civilian version of the M14 rifle
- M305A, 7.62x39 version of M14 rifle
- Type 56 Carbine, clone of Russian SKS semi-automatic rifle
- Type 56 assault rifle, clone of AK-47
- MAK-90, a civilian, semi-automatic version of the AK-47[11]
- NHM-90, 1994–2004 gun ban model, w/1.5mm stamped receiver, thumbhole stock, no bayonet lug, non-flashhider
- Type 81 assault rifle
- Type 86S bullpup assault rifle
- QBZ-95 (Type 95), an assault rifle
- QBB 95, a squad automatic weapon version of the QBZ-95
- QBZ-97 (Type 97), a rifle, export version of QBZ-95 that uses 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition
- QBZ-03 (Type 03), an assault rifle
- NAR-556/NAR-751 A new multi-caliber rifle solely for export, with 5.56×45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, and 7.62x51mm NATO conversion kits available. There is also the option of including a single shot 40mm grenade launcher similar in design to the Heckler & Koch M320 GLM.[12][13]
Autocannons
- 23-2K, a version of the Nudelman-Rikhter NR-23 autocannon
Hunting rifles
- JW-103/JW-105, bolt action hunting rifles
- JW-14, semi automatic .22 hunting rifle
- JW-15, bolt action .22 hunting rifles, close copy of the BRNO model 2. JW23 is the .22WMR version
- JW-20, Semi automatic .22 takedown hunting rifle, close copy of the Browning takedown
- JW-21, Lever action .22 hunting rifle
- JW-23, bolt action .22 hunting rifles, same as JW-15 close copy of the BRNO model 2 but .22WMR version
- JW-25, or TU-KKW, bolt action .22 training/hunting rifle, variant of the JW-15, patterned after Mauser KKW
- JW-25a, or TU-G33/40, patterned after G33/40.
- JW-27, bolt action .22 hunting rifle. Variant of the JW-15 with a 2-piece stock.
Pistols
- Type 54, clone of TT-33 semi-automatic pistol
- Model M-201C a civilian version of the Type 54 also chambered in 9×19mm with the addition of a manual safety like FEG Tokagypt 58
- Model 213, a civilian version of the Type 54 also chambered in 9×19mm with the addition of a manual safety like FEG Tokagypt 58
- NP-17, Model M-201C in Two-Tone
- Type 64, pistol
- Type 77, pistol
- NP50, clone of Smith & Wesson model 64
- NRP9 Police Revolver, .38 Special revolver
- NP-216, 9x19mm revolver
- QSZ-92 (Type 92), pistol
- NP-42, civilian export version of QSZ-92
- NZ-75, clone of CZ 75 pistol
- NP-22 (rename by importer NP226 or NC226) a SIG Sauer P226 pistol first version (West German) clone with internal shell ejector
- NP-34 (rename by importer NP228 or NC228), clone of West German SIG Sauer P228 pistol, with internal shell ejector. Accessory rail was added in later models with revamped slide to make it look like p229.
- NP-56 45ACP, SIG Sauer P220 Rail pistol Clone in .45ACP
- NP-58, SIG Sauer P226 Rail pistol Clone in .40 S&W
- NP-7, clone of Glock 17 pistol,9x19mm
- NP-7C, clone of Glock 19 pistol,9x19mm
- M-1911A1, clone of Colt M1911A1 pistol (blue version)
- M-1911A1-P, Government Model version with Mil-spec (USGI) M-1911A1 clone; with the Phosphate finish
- M-1911A1-TT, Two-Tone version of M-1911A1
- 1911A1-Sport-B, Sport version of M-1911A1, with Three dot sighting system, Extended slide release, Front slide serrations, Ambidextrous safety, Raised anti glare rib on slide, Large beavertail grip safety, Lite weight competition hammer, Lightened target trigger, Full length guide rod, The finish is non-reflective satin blue and Extended mag release.
- 1911A1-Sport-TT, Two-Tone version of 1911A1-Sport-B
- M-1911A1C, Combat Commander style pistol
- NP-28, Colt M1911A1 clone in 9x19mm Parabellum with double-column magazine (10 rounds)
- NP-29, Colt M1911A1 clone in 9x19mm Parabellum.
- NP-30, tactical version of Colt M1911A1 pistol clone with double column magazines, beavertail grip safety, extended slide release, flat mainspring housing, and extended ambidextrous safety
- NP-44, Colt M1911A1 clone in .45 ACP with double-column magazine (14 rounds)
- M1911A1 C, Colt M1911A1 Clone in .38 special
- M93, Colt Woodsman clone in .22LR
- NP-18, clone of FEG P9R
Shotguns
- YL-1887L, clone of Winchester Model 1887/1901 lever-action shotgun
- YL-1897, clone of Winchester Model 1897 pump-action shotgun
- YL-12, clone of Ithaca 37 pump-action shotgun
- HP9-1, also known as the Norinco 982, clone of Remington 870, a pump-action shotgun
Sniper rifles
Submachine guns
- NR-08, sub machine gun(SMG), clone of Heckler & Koch MP5.
Vehicles
- Type 15 Light Tank
- Type 63 Light Amphibious Tank
- Type 99 Main Battle Tank, a third generation main battle tank
- WZ-523 Wheeled APC
- Main Battle Tank 3000, a third generation main battle tank
- HZ21 Fast Bridge mobile bridging system[14]
- Lynx (ATV) Wheeled ATV[15]
Controversy
Riot-control systems
The New York Times accused Norinco of "turning military vehicles into riot control systems", and that the equipment sold was used to support "oppressive regimes... like Venezuela" and that the design of arms produced by Norinco were "reflective of the hardball tactics that China takes against dissent".[16]
Defense experts have also accused that Norinco's design for anti-riot equipment — firing projectiles, water cannons and tear gas from behind a tall barricade – is dangerous, allowing authorities to haphazardly fire upon demonstrators without clear visibility and blocking the safe exit of those being fired upon. Tear gas cannons are also constructed in layouts intended to fire directly into crowds instead of being delivered in an arched trajectory, turning the canisters into lethal projectiles.[16]
Trade disputes with the United States
In 1993, the import of most Norinco firearms and ammunition into the United States was blocked under new trade rules when China's permanent normal trade relations status was renewed. The prohibition did not apply to sporting shotguns or shotgun ammunition, however. In 1994, U.S. Customs agents conducted a sting operation named Operation Dragon Fire against Atlanta-based importers of Norinco firearms as well as Poly Technologies. Seven officials were arrested after agreeing to smuggle 2,000 fully automatic Chinese-made AK-47s to undercover agents the officials believed may have been connected to the mafia. At least one official, Hammond Ku, attempted to sell Chinese-produced tanks and rocket launchers to the undercover agents.[17][18]
In August 2003, the Bush Administration imposed sanctions on Norinco for allegedly selling missile-related goods to Iran.[19] These sanctions led to a prohibition on imports into the US of the remaining types of firearms and ammunition not covered by the 1993 ban.[20][21]
See also
- Poly Technologies
- China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
- China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC)
- China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation
- China State Shipbuilding Corporation
- Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC)
- State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense
- Bazalt (Russian manufacturer of the RPG-7, RPG-29, etc.)
- List of modern armament manufacturers
- Letpadaung Copper Mine
References
- Norinco Group. "Leadership - Norinco Group". Archived from the original on 2019-09-06. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
- "Hide.me".
- "China - China North Industries Group (NORINCO (G))". GlobalSecurity.org. Archived from the original on 2009-03-12. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
- "DEFENSE PRODUCTS--北方工业". www.norinco.com. Archived from the original on 2018-05-11. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- "NORINCO (Company) Aircraft List". Archived from the original on 2018-08-05. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- "China's NORINCO, AVIC Among Top 10 Defense Companies Worldwide; SIPRI". www.defenseworld.net. Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- "NORINCO of China presents a wide range of high-tech military equipment and combat vehicles 2211141". www.armyrecognition.com. Archived from the original on 2018-05-22. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- "CHINA NORTH INDUSTRIES CORPORATION (NORINCO) - Italian Aerospace Network". www.itaerospacenetwork.it. Archived from the original on 2019-06-15. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- The New York Times (December 23, 2017). "The Anti-Protest Gear Used in Venezuela". YouTube. Archived from the original on August 5, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- Chinea, Eyanir; Gupta, Girish (June 11, 2017). Cooney, Peter (ed.). "Venezuela Maduro says children used in protest violence, will write to pope". Reuters. Archived from the original on June 18, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
Another opposition leader, Henrique Capriles, said recently that 150 armored vehicles bought from Chinese defense conglomerate China North Industries Group Corp, or Norinco, had arrived at Venezuela’s Puerto Cabello and were expected to be quickly transported to Caracas for what he called “repression”. A document seen by Reuters on Sunday showed that Norinco recently shipped 165 vehicles to Venezuela.
- "AK-47.net: Norinco MAK-90 AK". Archived from the original on 2008-03-23. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- Johnson, Steve (November 2016). "BREAKING: New NORINCO NAR-556 and NAR-751 Modern Assault, Battle and Automatic Rifles". www.thefirearmblog.com. Archived from the original on 15 March 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
- "Norinco's SCAR Copy in 7.62x39mm, and Picatinny Mounted Grenade Launcher". www.thefirearmblog.com. 2018-01-02. Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
- Foss, Christopher F. (October 1, 2018). "China building bridging systems for heavy vehicles". Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
The HZ21 military bridging system is deployed by China and referred to by CHIC as a 'fast bridge'. It is transported and launched over the rear of a forward control 8×8 cross-country truck.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-11-11. Retrieved 2018-11-11.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "The Anti-Protest Gear Used in Venezuela | NYT Investigates". The New York Times. 23 December 2017. Archived from the original on 5 August 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
- Serrill, Michael (24 June 2001). "Anatomy of a Sting". Time. Time Magazine. Archived from the original on 22 April 2019.
- Ostrow, Ronald (24 May 1996). "U.S. Agents Say Chinese Tanks, Rockets Offered". LA Times. Archived from the original on 22 April 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
- "BBC NEWS - Business - US punishes firms in Iran and China". 2003-05-23. Archived from the original on 3 March 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
- Pike, John. "Hemmat Industrial Complex - Iran Special Weapons Facilities". Archived from the original on 14 May 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
- "China". Archived from the original on 21 January 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
External links
- Official website (in Chinese)
- Official website (in English)
- Norinco Homepage
- Norinco Equipment, a subsidiary of Norinco. (site contains an online English catalogue)