Shiyan's strategic output: Fueling China's military might
Chinese state television CCTV has published a report on Shiyan, a city in Hubei province, which has earned the nicknames "City of Cars" and "Capital of Trucks" due to its production of military vehicles. It is here that the "Dongfeng Mengshi" military vehicles, a key component of the Chinese land forces' equipment, are manufactured, according to Defence Blog. The footage shows a significant amount of military equipment awaiting delivery.
According to the report, over 400,000 military vehicles of various types have already been produced in Shiyan. Military observer Jesus Roman shared recordings from a vast warehouse where hundreds of vehicles await delivery. These vehicles are prepared for both domestic use and export.
Chinese produce massive amounts of military equipment
Production in Shiyan underscores China's capability to supply its armed forces and international clients. The report indicates that the plant is continuously expanding its capabilities, and vehicles are stored in large warehouse areas before being dispatched to their final destinations.
As noted by Defence Blog, although the report does not disclose details about export destinations, previous transactions suggest that Chinese military vehicles are reaching countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. According to the blog, the presence of thousands of vehicles ready for deployment reflects China's readiness to conduct large-scale operations and support allied nations with tactical equipment.
Dongfeng Mengshi - Chinese tactical vehicle
In Shiyan, the Dongfeng Mengshi, the Chinese equivalent of Western tactical vehicles, is also produced. It is worth noting that Dongfeng Mengshi is a series of modern, multifunctional off-road vehicles developed by Dongfeng Motor Group, which play a crucial role in equipping the People's Liberation Army of China. The name "Mengshi" means "Warrior," emphasizing their purpose for reliable and enduring tasks in difficult terrain conditions—such as transporting soldiers, conducting reconnaissance, or providing logistical support.
One of the latest models in this series is the CSK-181, a lightweight 4×4 tactical vehicle. Designed to protect the crew, the CSK-181 can accommodate two crew members and eight foot soldiers. Its gross weight is approximately 8,000 kg, with roughly 1,800 kg being the payload. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 120 km/h and is equipped with a remotely operated turret on which various weaponry can be mounted, such as machine guns, anti-tank missile launchers, or grenade launchers. Additionally, the CSK-181 has advanced satellite communication and night vision systems, increasing its operational effectiveness both day and night.
Another important model is the CTL181A, a lightweight, protected 6×6 truck. Its gross weight is around 10,500 kg, with a payload capacity of about 3,600 kg. This vehicle serves as a platform for various weapon and support systems, such as the 122 mm PCL-171 self-propelled howitzer, HJ-10 anti-tank missile systems, 120 mm mortars, or rocket artillery systems. Thanks to its modular design, the CTL181A can be adapted for various tasks on the battlefield, including reconnaissance, fire support, or medical evacuation.
