Malaysia has received the first of two shipments of Avibras ASTROS-II multiple rocket artillery systems from Brazil. The second shipment is due in July. The total package is thought to be 18 launchers, 18 ammunition resupply vehicles, and three command post systems. The total price was $197 million. These launchers are mounted on armor-protected 6x6 trucks and can use any of the various types of rockets with ranges of 30-90km. Larger rockets have more range, but fewer fit into each pod.--Stephen V Cole