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The HQ-17 (simplified Chinese: 红旗-17; traditional Chinese: 紅旗-17; pinyin: Hóng Qí-17; lit. 'Red Banner-17'; NATO reporting name: CH-SA-15)[1] is an all-weather, low to medium altitude, short-range surface-to-air missile system derived from the Tor-M1.[2][3] The system is developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).[4]

Key Information

Development

[edit]

In 1996, China ordered 14 Tor-M1 missile systems from Russia, delivered under contract in 1997. In 1999, another contract for 13 Tor-M1 systems was signed between Russia and China. Delivery of the systems took place in 2000.[5]

Around 2000, China sought to license-produce the Tor-M1 missile system locally; however, Russia reportedly refused. As a result, China decided to reverse-engineer the missile system.[2]

The HQ-17 was incorporated into Chinese army service around early 2013.[6] The system's existence was confirmed by the Chinese military in 2015.[3] An export variant, called FM-2000, was displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2018.[7] In 2019, during China's 70th anniversary parade, the HQ-17A wheeled variant was publicly unveiled.[8]

Design

[edit]
HQ-17's ammunition vehicle, based on the Shaanxi HMV3 truck chassis

The HQ-17 features various improvements over the Tor-M1 system. The HQ-17 incorporates an indigenous all-terrain tracked launch vehicle, a new identification friend or foe (IFF) antenna on top of the search radar, an electronically scanned array radar for better performance against jamming, and the ability to datalink with other Chinese systems.[9][7]

A typical HQ-17 air defense battery consists of one command vehicle, 4 missile launch vehicles, 2 NG-80 reloading vehicles, 2 NG-80 ammunition transport vehicles, and other support vehicles.[10] Although a battery of the HQ-17 usually operates independently, it can also receive data-linked targeting data from surveillance radars.[2]

The HQ-17 is designed to keep up with mechanized troops like tank battalions to provide air cover on the move, as well as protect critical military premises.[3]

Armament

[edit]

The HQ-17 missile is physically similar to the Tor-M1, with a weight of around 165 kg, a length of around 2.9 m, and a diameter of around 0.23 m. Its slant range for intercepting flying aerial targets is 1.5 km to 15 km, slightly longer than the Tor-M1, and operates at an altitude of 10 m to 10 km.[7]

The missile guidance system comprises semi-active radar homing by either the tracking radar, the television sight, or the thermal sight on the launch vehicle.

Each vehicle carries 2 x 4 missile canisters for a total of 8 missiles, which can be reloaded 4 missiles at a time by a Shaanxi SX2306 reloading truck equipped with a crane.[11]

Fire control

[edit]

Each launch vehicle carries one PESA search radar and one AESA guidance radar. The Chinese PESA search radar has a longer range than the original Tor system, with a detection range of 45 km. The system can monitor up to 48 targets, track 24 targets, and engage 2 targets simultaneously.[12] Other tracking devices include laser rangefinder, a thermal tracking sight and a television tracking sight.[6]

Chassis

[edit]

The launch vehicle of the HQ-17 integrates both missile and radar systems on a single chassis, capable of operating independently without other battery vehicles.

The tracked chassis weighs around 32 metric tons and has dimensions of 8 m long, 3.2 m tall, and 4 m wide. It is reportedly powered by a roughly 750-800 hp diesel engine and has a maximum speed of 65 km/h and a range of 600 km.[2]

The wheeled launch vehicle is produced by Dongfeng Motor Corporation and is a 6x6 chassis similar to a Belarusian MZKT-6922. The vehicle weighs around 30 tons and is about 9.7 m long, 3.1 m tall, and 3.7 m wide. The vehicle includes an all-wheel drive transmission, a central tire inflation system, and a lightly armored hull that protects against small arms fire and shell splinters. It is reportedly powered by a diesel engine of roughly 400 horsepower and has a maximum speed of 80 km/h and a range of 800 km.[13][11]

One major improvement of the wheeled variant was the capability to fire on the move.[citation needed]

Deployment

[edit]

The HQ-17 tracked version and HQ-17A wheeled version are both currently in service in the People's Liberation Army Ground Force.

In May 2021, around two batteries of HQ-17A entered service in China's Xinjiang Military Command at an altitude of more than 4500 m alongside two batteries of PHL-11 MLRS.[14]

Variants

[edit]
HQ-17AE
HQ-17
Tracked variant
HQ-17A
Wheeled variant (NATO reporting name: CH-SA-15B[15])
FM-2000
Export-oriented wheeled variant based on HQ-17A.[4][15] Featured upgraded electronic countermeasures (ECM) in the form of counter-jamming capability against multiple targets.[16]
HQ-17AE
An export variant based on wheeled HQ-17A.[17][18]
CASIC Anti-UAV System
Debuted at Zhuhai Airshow 2022. It comprises the HQ-17AE and QW-12 short-range missiles, DK-1 low-altitude search radar, ZR-1500 drone defense system, and the ZK-K20 ground station.[19][20]

Operators

[edit]
 People's Republic of China
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Tajikistan

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]

See also

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

HQ-17

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The HQ-17 is a Chinese short-range, all-weather surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed for mobile point air defense, derived from the reverse-engineered Russian Tor-M1 (SA-15 Gauntlet) and featuring enhanced radar and guidance capabilities. It integrates detection, tracking, and missile launch functions on a single tracked, armored vehicle, enabling rapid deployment to protect ground forces from low- to medium-altitude threats such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. Development of the HQ-17 began in the late following China's acquisition of approximately 35 Tor-M1 systems from between 1996 and 1999, which served as the basis for domestic production by the China Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). The system entered service with the (PLA) around 2005, with widespread deployment by 2011–2012 in units such as the Military Region's air defense brigades and later in heavy mechanized divisions and synthetic brigades. Key improvements over the Tor-M1 include upgraded phased-array radars for better target discrimination, an advanced missile , and a more reliable , allowing for a single-shot kill probability of up to 90% against cruise missiles while operating in adverse weather or at night. The HQ-17 employs the 9M331 missile (or indigenous equivalents), which measures approximately 2.9 meters in length, has a diameter of 0.23 meters, and weighs about 165 kg, powered by a solid-fuel motor achieving speeds of up to 700 m/s with a 12g overload capacity. It uses a vertical cold-launch mechanism from 8 ready-to-fire missiles (in two quad canisters) mounted on a tracked , with an engagement range of 1.5–15 km against and 6–12 km against missiles, and an operational ceiling of 10 m to 10 km. The system's E/F-band search provides a 25 km detection range while moving, transitioning to a 15 km G/H-band tracking radar when stationary, and it can simultaneously engage up to two targets with a reaction time under 10 seconds. Variants include the HQ-17A, an upgraded model with improved electronics and export designation FM-2000, and the HQ-17AE, a further refined export version cleared for international sales in 2021 with guidance. Primary operator is the PLA, where it forms a critical layer in integrated air defense networks; exports have been made to countries including (HQ-17AE systems delivered in 2024), (2025), , (2025), , and . The system's high mobility and autonomy make it a of 's anti-access/area-denial , complementing longer-range assets like the and HQ-22.

Development

Origins

The HQ-17 surface-to-air missile system originated from China's acquisition of Russian Tor-M1 (9K331) systems in the late 1990s, primarily to bolster defenses against potential aerial threats from Taiwan. Between 1996 and 1999, China purchased approximately 35 Tor-M1 units from Russia, which were initially deployed with the People's Liberation Army Ground Force in the Nanjing Military Region, including the 1st Army and 31st Army Air Defense Brigade. These imports provided China with advanced short-range air defense capabilities, featuring vertical launch missiles capable of engaging low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions at ranges up to 12 km. Following the deliveries, sought to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers by reverse-engineering the Tor-M1 to develop an indigenous variant, leading to the HQ-17 program. Development began around 1997, concurrent with the ongoing imports, as aimed to incorporate local production and enhancements for better integration into PLA forces. Russia reportedly declined offers for co-production, prompting to independently replicate and improve the system, including upgrades to the , proximity , and solid rocket motor derived from the original 9M331 missile. The HQ-17 entered limited service with the PLA by 2005, marking a shift toward self-sufficiency in . Early deployments focused on protecting high-value assets, with full-scale production and widespread integration occurring between 2011 and 2012. This evolution from imported technology to a domestically produced system underscored China's broader modernization efforts during the early 21st century.

Production

The HQ-17 system is produced by the Second Academy of the Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), China's primary state-owned and defense manufacturer. Following the import of 35 Russian Tor-M1 systems between 1996 and 1999, pursued domestic production through reverse-engineering after rejected a proposed license agreement around 2000. This effort led to the development of the tracked HQ-17 variant for the (PLAGF), marking China's shift to indigenous manufacturing of systems. Subsequent production focused on variants adapted to different chassis, including the wheeled HQ-17A for enhanced mobility within the PLAGF, with operational units first publicly displayed during a . Export-oriented production under the FM-2000 designation debuted at the 2018 Airshow, incorporating upgrades for international markets. In , CASIC cleared the 6×6 wheeled HQ-17AE variant for global export, building on HQ-17 design to target diverse threats like drones, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions. Ongoing production supports both domestic deployment and sales to allies, emphasizing modular integration with Chinese fire control and radar technologies.

Design

Armament

The HQ-17 system is primarily armed with eight 9M331 missiles (or indigenous equivalents such as the DK-10), arranged in two vertical launch modules of four each, integrated directly onto the transporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicle. These missiles are cold-launched via gas ejection to a height of approximately 20 meters before igniting their solid-fuel rocket motors, enabling all-weather operation and rapid response against low- to medium-altitude threats such as , helicopters, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. Each 9M331 measures 2.9 meters in length and 0.23 meters in diameter, with a launch weight of 165 kg, including a 15 kg high-explosive fragmentation that disperses around 2,000 fragments for enhanced lethality against aerial targets. Guidance is provided by radio command signals from the vehicle's onboard , allowing the system to track up to 48 targets and simultaneously engage up to two (with capable of four), with a single-shot kill probability of 90% against cruise missiles. The missiles achieve speeds of up to 700 m/s and can maneuver against targets exhibiting 12g overloads, with an effective engagement range of 1.5 to 15 km against aircraft and altitudes from 10 meters to 10 km. In variants like the HQ-17A and export-oriented HQ-17AE, the armament configuration remains similar, though some reports indicate potential upgrades to extended-range missiles achieving up to 15-20 km, while maintaining the core eight-missile per for balanced mobility and . Reloading is supported by dedicated transporter , allowing a full complement of eight missiles to be restored in under 16 minutes during field operations.

Fire Control

The of the HQ-17 is a fully integrated, autonomous setup mounted on a single armored vehicle, combining target detection, acquisition, tracking, and engagement functions to provide rapid response against low-altitude threats such as aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. This "trinity" design—integrating radar surveillance, , and —enables the system to operate independently without external cueing, with a reaction time of approximately 8-10 seconds from detection to launch. The primary surveillance radar is an E/F-band phased array unit, replacing the parabolic antenna of the Russian Tor-M1 baseline, which extends detection range to about 25 km while the vehicle is stationary or moving at low speeds. It can simultaneously detect up to 48 aerial targets and designate up to 10 for tracking. The fire control radar operates in the Ku-band with a phased array antenna featuring a narrow pencil beam of approximately 1° width, providing precise illumination and guidance for missiles out to 15 km. This radar supports engagement of two targets at once in the base HQ-17 configuration, with later variants like the HQ-17A incorporating an expanded antenna array for up to four simultaneous fire channels. A charge-coupled device (CCD) TV camera serves as a backup optical sensor for target search and verification during electronic jamming or low-visibility conditions. Missile guidance relies on radio command signals from the fire control radar, directing the vertically launched 9M331-derived interceptors via an improved autopilot for high maneuverability (up to 12g overload) against targets traveling at speeds exceeding 700 m/s. The system achieves a single-shot kill probability of around 90% against cruise missiles within its engagement envelope of 1.5-15 km range and 10 m to 10 km altitude. An identification friend-or-foe (IFF) interrogator is integrated to minimize risks during operations. Overall, these enhancements over the Tor-M1 improve all-weather performance and integration with broader Chinese command networks, such as data links to higher-echelon radars.

Chassis

The HQ-17 system's primary combat vehicle, known as the TELAR (transporter erector launcher and radar), is mounted on a tracked designed for enhanced cross-country mobility and rapid deployment in varied terrains. This is a Chinese adaptation modeled closely after the Russian GM-5955 tracked platform used in the Tor-M1 system, from which the HQ-17 was reverse-engineered, though with minor modifications for local production and integration. The tracked design provides superior traction and stability compared to wheeled alternatives, allowing the vehicle to operate effectively in rough or uneven landscapes while maintaining the system's autonomous engagement capabilities. The features a diesel-powered , enabling road speeds of up to approximately 65 km/h and a operational range suitable for tactical repositioning during missions. Overall, the TELAR weighs around 32 tonnes, with dimensions measuring about 8 in , 3.2 in width, and 3.2 in height when the radar mast is extended to approximately 5 , accommodating a of three operators. This configuration supports vertical missile launch from eight ready-to-fire 9M331-derived missiles, integrated with phased-array s for and tracking on the move, without requiring external support vehicles for basic operations. The tracked suspension system, consisting of seven road wheels per side, contributes to the vehicle's ability to ford water obstacles up to 1.2 deep and climb slopes of 30 degrees, enhancing its survivability in frontline environments. Support elements of the battery, such as resupply and vehicles, utilize wheeled for efficiency. These include NG-80-based loading vehicles capable of transporting additional missiles and reload equipment, with a total battery composition featuring up to three such support alongside the TELARs. This hybrid approach—tracked for the core combat unit and wheeled for —optimizes the system's deployability, reducing overall demands while preserving the TELAR's rugged mobility for direct threat response.

Variants

Domestic

The HQ-17 serves as the primary domestic variant of the short-range system in Chinese service, representing a reverse-engineered adaptation of the Russian 9K331 Tor-M1 (NATO: SA-15 Gauntlet). Developed by the and Industry Corporation (CASIC), it entered service with the (PLA) in the mid-2000s, featuring a tracked for enhanced cross-country mobility and all-weather operation. The system integrates search, tracking, and launch functions on a single vehicle, capable of engaging up to two targets simultaneously with radio-frequency guided missiles at ranges of 1.5–15 km and altitudes of 10 m to 10 km, primarily targeting low-flying aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. An upgraded domestic iteration, the HQ-17A (also designated FM-2000), was introduced to improve road mobility and rapid deployment, utilizing a 6x6 wheeled chassis based on the series. Unveiled during the PLA's 70th anniversary parade on October 1, 2019, it employs vertical cold-launch technology with 8 ready-to-fire missiles per launcher, extending engagement range to 1.5–15 km and altitude to 10 m–10 km while maintaining simultaneous fire against up to four threats. This variant enhances anti-jamming resilience through phased-array radar and supports frontline brigade-level air defense, with reported integration into PLA rapid-reaction units by 2020. Both variants emphasize for quick reloading and compatibility, though the HQ-17A prioritizes wheeled versatility over the original's tracked durability in rough terrain. Production occurs at CASIC facilities, with the HQ-17A marking a shift toward indigenous enhancements beyond the Tor-M1 baseline, including upgraded seekers for better precision against precision-guided munitions.

Export

The HQ-17AE serves as the primary export variant of the HQ-17 system, configured as a wheeled, road-mobile platform derived from the domestic HQ-17A. This version was officially cleared for international sales in March 2021 by Chinese authorities, emphasizing its all-weather capability to engage low- to medium-altitude threats such as , helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions at ranges up to 15 kilometers. The system integrates eight ready-to-fire missiles on a single launcher vehicle, supported by a low-altitude search and fire control unit, enabling operations while on the move at speeds up to 65 km/h. It debuted publicly at the Airshow in November 2022, highlighting China's push to market advanced solutions to global partners. Export deliveries of the HQ-17AE began in the early 2020s, with among the first confirmed recipients; the kingdom paraded operational units during military exercises in August 2021, integrating them into its layered air defense architecture to counter regional drone and missile threats. In 2023, received a ceremonial gift of an HQ-17AE scale model from , symbolizing deepening bilateral military ties, followed by delivery of full systems in mid-2024 to bolster its short-range defenses amid Balkan security concerns. emerged as another customer in March 2025, unveiling an undisclosed number of HQ-17AE units during an armed forces anniversary parade, marking a strategic enhancement to its border air defense amid Central Asian tensions. Additional exports include deliveries to in June 2025 and to in May 2025. These sales underscore the system's appeal in non-Western markets seeking cost-effective alternatives to Russian or Western equivalents.

Operators and Deployment

Chinese Service

The HQ-17 system entered service with the (PLA) Ground Force around 2005, with the upgraded wheeled HQ-17A variant becoming operational around 2019, providing short-range air defense capabilities for mechanized units and key installations. It made its first public appearance during the parade in on October 1, 2019, where variants were displayed. The system is primarily integrated into brigade-level air defense battalions, emphasizing mobility on wheeled chassis to accompany fast-reaction forces. In the , the HQ-17A variant has been deployed with the 78th Group Army, where air defense companies operate launchers equipped with 8 missiles each for engaging low-altitude threats such as , helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and precision-guided munitions. These units focus on protecting brigades in diverse terrains, including plateau environments. A notable high-altitude deployment occurred in May 2021, when a regiment under the PLA Xinjiang Military Command received the HQ-17A and stationed batteries at elevations exceeding 4,500 meters in the snowy plateau regions near Urumqi. This assignment enhances tactical air defense for border security operations in challenging conditions, complementing other systems like the PHL-11 rocket launchers and Type 15 light tanks. The system's all-weather radar and phased-array technology support operations in such extreme environments.

International Operators

The HQ-17AE, the primary export variant of the Chinese short-range system, has seen adoption by several nations outside , reflecting Beijing's expanding role in the global arms market. This wheeled, all-weather system, derived from Russian Tor-M1 technology, provides mobile point defense against low- to medium-altitude threats such as , helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions. Its international deployment underscores a trend among operators seeking cost-effective alternatives to Western or Russian systems, often integrated into layered air defense architectures. Serbia is the first European operator of the HQ-17AE, having received the system from China's CASIC Corporation in mid-2024 to strengthen its integrated air defense. The acquisition enhances 's ability to counter aerial incursions in the , pairing the HQ-17AE with longer-range assets like the FK-3 missile system. During a September 2025 , Serbian Defense Minister highlighted the HQ-17AE's role in airspace protection, noting its mobility and multi-target engagement capabilities. The system entered service with the shortly after delivery, marking a diversification of Serbia's away from traditional suppliers. In , publicly unveiled the HQ-17AE in March 2025 during a commemorating the 32nd anniversary of its armed forces, signaling deeper defense ties with . The acquisition replaces aging Soviet-era equipment and addresses regional security challenges, including border threats and unmanned aerial systems. Tajik officials described the HQ-17AE as a key component for short-range protection of ground forces and . This move aligns with broader Central Asian interest in Chinese systems, as evidenced by similar procurements in neighboring . Saudi Arabia has reportedly become an operator of the HQ-17AE, acquiring it to fortify low-altitude defenses amid ongoing Houthi drone and missile attacks from Yemen. The system supplements Saudi Arabia's existing layered defenses, focusing on rapid-response interception of low-flying threats. Exhibited at the 2025 IDEX arms show in Abu Dhabi, the HQ-17AE was promoted for its export success in the Middle East, with Saudi interest dating back to negotiations in the early 2020s. U.S. Army assessments noted the potential integration into Saudi forces as a response to gaps in counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities. Reports from August 2025 indicate that has received deliveries of the HQ-17AE, along with ammunition, as part of a broader modernization of its air defense network following regional conflicts. This procurement from aims to integrate short-range systems with medium-range assets like the , enhancing protection against potential aerial strikes. The deliveries, transported via cargo flights, reflect Iran's pivot toward Eastern suppliers amid sanctions limiting access to Western technology. Reported operators include and .

References

  1. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/hq-17.htm
  2. https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-threat-and-proliferation/todays-missile-threat/china/china-anti-access-area-denial/hq-17/
  3. https://armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-land-defense/land-defense-2024/serbia-continues-to-purchase-chinese-equipment-with-acquisition-of-hq-17ae-air-defense-missile-systems
  4. https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2025/06/20/china-delivers-hq-16-and-hq-17ae-anti-aircraft-missile-systems-and-ammunitions-to-iran/
  5. https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/HQ-17A_%28FM-2000%29_Chinese_Short-Range_Air_Defense_Missile_System
  6. https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/china-clears-hq-17ae-air-defence-system-for-export
  7. https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2021/03/china-unveils-homegrown-hq-17ae-short-range-air-defence-system/
  8. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202103/1217557.shtml
  9. https://justapedia.org/wiki/HQ-17
  10. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/hq-17a.htm
  11. https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/plagf-hq-17a-shorad-systems-armed-with-new-missile-says-report
  12. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/sa-15-variants.htm
  13. https://tanknutdave.com/the-russian-9k330-tor-a-tor-m19k331m-sam-series/
  14. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3124679/china-adds-aircraft-hunter-field-missile-system-export-weapons
  15. https://www.china-arms.com/2023/10/hq-17ae-serbia-stationed-in-balkans/
  16. https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/08/21/saudi-arabia-parades-hq-17ae-air-defense-systems/
  17. https://turdef.com/article/serbia-receives-chinese-hq-17ae-air-defence-system
  18. https://defence-blog.com/tajikistan-buys-chinese-hq-17ae-air-defense-system/
  19. https://www.bdmilitary.com/doctrine-capabilities/capabilities/bangladesh-army-reinforces-air-defence-with-advanced-chinese-systems/819/
  20. https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/03/09/china-to-export-reverse-engineered-tor-sam-named-hq-17ae/
  21. https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-land-defense/2020/chinese-hq-17a-shorad-air-defense-system-deployed-by-pla-78th-army-group
  22. https://thedefensepost.com/2021/05/27/pla-xinjiang-new-missiles-rocket-launchers/
  23. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202509/1344079.shtml
  24. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3326298/serbia-shows-chinese-missiles-military-parade-amid-high-european-tensions
  25. https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/tajikistan-debuts-chinese-made-hq-17ae-air-defense-system-during-armed-forces-anniversary-parade
  26. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/tajikistan-moves-away-from-russian-systems-deploying-chinese-air-defense/
  27. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3300085/chinese-missile-defence-systems-show-idex-weapons-expo-war-heats-global-market
  28. https://oe.tradoc.army.mil/product/saudi-arabia-turns-to-china-for-low-altitude-air-defense/
  29. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250801-from-rust-to-rockets-the-battle-to-modernize-irans-legacy-air-force/
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