China’s Air Defence Network Continues Rapid Expansion as New HQ-20 System Demonstrates Firing Sequence

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force on November 11 released footage that for the first time showed the firing sequence of the new HQ-20 medium range air defence system. The system’s configuration closely resembles that of the widely used HQ-9 long range system, but integrates a higher quantity of missiles on each launch vehicle, with ranges estimated to be comparable to those of the older HQ-16 system. Firing trials of the HQ-20 reportedly began in 2020 and concluded four years later, with the system tested in multiple kinds of terrain including in coastal and desert regions, as well as under conditions of high electronic interference. Its engagement range is estimate to be approximately 70 kilometres, compared to 300 kilometres for the HQ-9, with its missiles using a dual pulse rocket motors that extend powered flight into the terminal phase, facilitating higher levels of manoeuvrability to engage cruise missiles and evading aircraft.

The HQ-20 is one of multiple air defence systems that has recently been brought into service, as part of efforts to develop what increasingly appears to be the world’s most capable multi-layered network. Also unveiled on September 3 was the very long ranged HQ-29, which deploys two large containers for anti-ballistic and anti-satellite missiles on transporter erector launchers. Other than the Russian S-500, which is fielded in very limited numbers due to development delays, the HQ-29 has no equivalents elsewhere in the world. Western Bloc states which have launched a military buildup aimed at China since the early 2010s notably fields no equivalents to the HQ-29, with the system’s ability to engage intercontinental range ballistic missiles and satellites being particularly outstanding.

Directly below the HQ-29 is the HQ-19 system unveiled in 2024, which is relied on for defence against medium and intermediate range missile attacks, and uses kinetic kill technology in many ways similarly to the American THAAD system. Below the HQ-19 is a growing range of increasingly advanced variants of the HQ-9 systems, including the new HQ-9C variant. At the lower end, the FK-3000 air defence combat vehicle which was also unveiled on September 3 is heavily optimised towards short range point defence against drone attacks, while also being able to engage low flying manned aircraft and cruise missiles. This complements the development of a growing range of anti-drone laser systems such as the new OW5-A50 system unveiled in mid-July, and the Silent Hunter 3000 that has recently been exported to Russia.