OVERVIEW: The Type 3200 is a short-range, ship-launched, unguided anti-submarine rocket (ASW) system designed for rapid salvo attacks against submerged targets. It fires multiple rockets in quick succession to saturate a suspected submarine location with depth charges.

DETAILS: The Type 3200 is a Chinese-developed, anti-submarine warfare rocket system based on older Soviet RBU-series designs. It features a multi-barrel rotating launcher (usually with 12 tubes) capable of firing unguided ASW rockets in preset patterns. Each rocket carries a high-explosive warhead with contact or time-delayed fuzing, intended to detonate at or near target depth. The system is controlled by a simple fire control system which calculates the firing solution based on sonar input.

The launcher is deck-mounted and directed manually or via the ship’s ASW fire control suite. Rockets are fired in salvos of 6 or 12, depending on threat level and tactical needs. The system is intended to be used in coastal or littoral environments where rapid ASW response is needed against shallow-water threats.

NOTE:
IOC: Mid-1980s
Operators: China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, North Korea
Platforms: Type 053H Jiangwei class frigates 
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use

SOURCE:
Jane’s Weapons: Naval ; China Defense University Press ; U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence: https://www.oni.navy.mil ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org ; U.S. Department of Defense: https://www.defense.gov