Use of Gunpowder Weapons by the Song Army (1160s)

Timeline

1. 1161–1165Lin'an · Zhejiang ProvinceThe Song court centrally developed explosive weapons such as thunderclap bombs, fire balls, and caltrop fire balls under the Armaments Commission system, and issued them to riverine defense forces. Formulas and launching devices were continually improved in combat, laying the foundation for large-scale battlefield use.
2. 1161Caishi · Anhui ProvinceAt the Battle of Caishi, Song forces bombarded the Jin fleet crossing the river with thunderclap bombs, supported by fire ships; the explosive power of the weapons burned Jin vessels and scattered their troops, becoming a landmark case of firearms changing naval warfare.
3. 1162–1170Yangtze River defense line · ChinaAfter the great victory at Caishi, the court made firearms standard equipment for riverine forts and navies; defenders explored coordinated tactics combining firearms with bows, crossbows, and vessels in siege, naval, and field battles, significantly raising the status of firearms in Song armaments.