Military Knowledge: HQ-9 Air Defense system

Development History of the HQ-9 System:

The origins of the HQ-9 air defense system trace back to the 1980s, driven by the strategic need of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to deploy a modern, long-range air defense solution capable of replacing outdated Soviet-era systems. This initiative, commonly referred to as “Project 9,” aimed to create a platform capable of countering advanced aerial threats posed by the United States and NATO—particularly those employing sophisticated electronic warfare tactics and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD).

While the People’s Republic of China initially pursued the acquisition of Russian S-300PMU systems, it ultimately concluded that national defense could not rely solely on imported technologies, especially given the risks of foreign political pressure and inherent technological limitations. The development of the domestic defense system under “Project 9” involved major state-owned enterprises such as the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) and the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). The project aimed to integrate the best available technologies to create a system specifically tailored to counter a broad and evolving spectrum of aerial threats.

The HQ-9 system is widely recognized in open-source literature as a hybrid platform that merges design elements from Russia’s S-300 missile series with distinctly non-Eastern technologies. The most critical aspect of this integration lies in its radar architecture. The HT-233 fire-control radar, the most advanced radar employed by the HQ-9, exhibits design characteristics that closely resemble the American AN/MPQ-53 radar used in the Patriot system—particularly its use of a passive electronically scanned array (PESA) with a unique lens configuration, diverging from the more conventional PESA layouts found in Russia’s 30N6 series.

This specific architectural choice is believed to reflect a deliberate effort to incorporate PESA technology that enables faster beam steering, higher target tracking rates, and robust electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM)—capabilities deemed essential for survivability against U.S. and NATO suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) operations. Some accounts attribute these architectural similarities to alleged reverse engineering of the Patriot missile system via third-party access, although such claims remain unverified.

Documentation indicates that the initial version of the HQ-9 system entered service in the late 1990s. The first stable variant, designated HQ-9A, was officially commissioned in 2001. In 2006, the second generation—HQ-9B—underwent testing and saw rapid expansion by 2016. This version features upgraded electronics and an extended engagement range. At present, China has operationalized the third generation of the system.

The evolution of the various generations of this system is primarily defined by increased range and enhanced capabilities. The base HQ-9 model had an operational range of approximately 120 kilometers. The current main operational version, HQ-9B, extended this range to around 260–300 kilometers and raised the engagement ceiling to 50 kilometers. This variant notably employs a dual-mode seeker—combining radar and passive infrared—to maintain high lethality against targets with low radar cross-sections or those equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

The newer HQ-9C variant is specifically designed and optimized for terminal-phase ballistic missile defense. This version utilizes slimmer interceptor missiles, allowing each mobile launcher to carry twice as many interceptors—effectively increasing its capacity to eight missiles per launcher.

HQ-9 Battalion Structure and Fire Unit Components:

As the backbone of China’s air defense network, the HQ-9 system is built around a complex and multilayered organizational structure. Its design prioritizes maximum coverage, high survivability, and seamless integration into China’s broader integrated air and missile defense architecture.

Each HQ-9 battery typically consists of 6 to 8 mobile launchers connected to an HT-233 radar and operated under the control of a TWS-312 command post. These batteries function as part of a larger battalion-level organizational structure.

In the Chinese armed forces, a full HQ-9 battalion typically consists of one central command vehicle, six control vehicles, six target acquisition radars, a variable number of search radars, 48 mobile launchers carrying a total of 192 ready-to-fire missiles, and various support vehicles responsible for power supply, communications, positioning, and logistics. Chinese sources claim that HQ-9 battery components can be networked using fixed fiber-optic cables, directional microwave line-of-sight links, or other radio data transmission channels.

The system’s command center functions as the operational nerve hub, integrating input from various land-, sea-, and air-based search and tracking radars to deliver a unified picture of the aerial battlespace. Its integrated control capabilities are designed so that the HQ-9 can operate beyond its organic sensors, utilizing external data sources such as AWACS and long-range surveillance radars. This level of integration enables mid-course updates for missiles and significantly enhances tracking accuracy over extended ranges. The HQ-9 is capable of simultaneously guiding 4 to 8 missiles to intercept multiple targets.

HQ-9 Radar Network and Detection Systems:

The HQ-9 system is equipped with a multilayered radar network designed to ensure comprehensive coverage across various ranges and altitudes.

HT-233 Fire-Control Radar:
To achieve maximum combat effectiveness, a dedicated fire-control radar was developed specifically for the HQ-9 system. Commonly deployed alongside HQ-9 batteries, this radar—known as HT-233—is the most advanced fire-control unit available for the system. Its design closely resembles the AN/MPQ-53 radar used in the American Patriot system. Some sources attribute this similarity to a possible transfer of Patriot technology to China. The Chinese version is capable of simultaneously guiding six missiles toward six separate targets, or alternatively, concentrating two missiles on each of three targets.

The HT-233 radar is capable of conducting searches within a 120-degree azimuth arc and an elevation angle range from 0 to 90 degrees, with a maximum range of up to 300 kilometers. Its peak output power is reported at 1 megawatt, with an average of 60 kilowatts. Utilizing a passive electronically scanned array (PESA) composed of approximately 4,000 elements, the radar can track over 100 targets and engage more than 50 simultaneously. For comparison, the AN/MPQ-53 and Russia’s 30N6E radars each feature around 10,000 elements.

Additionally, the HT-233 is mounted on a mobile Tai’an TAS5501 chassis with a 10×10 configuration and operates in the C-band with a bandwidth of 300 MHz. At the brigade level, this radar can also serve as a search radar, while other fire-control radars such as the SJ-212, H-200, or SJ-231 may be deployed alongside it.

Type-305 Radar:
The LLQ-305 radar, available in two variants—A and B—is a mobile, three-dimensional active phased array target acquisition radar. Since its introduction into service in 1997, it has been widely deployed across the Chinese military and integrated with various defense systems. This radar is capable of supporting up to four HT-233 fire-control radars and has an estimated maximum range of 350 kilometers.

The Type 305A, also known as LLQ-305A, is one of the target acquisition radars used in the HQ-9 system. It is an AESA-type radar specifically designed to enhance the HQ-9’s ballistic missile defense capabilities. Its external design closely resembles the Thales Ground Master 400 AESA radar. Limited information is publicly available about this radar, aside from its ability to function as a fire-control radar and its estimated range of approximately 350 kilometers.

The Type 305B radar, also known as LLQ-305B, is an advanced development based on the YLC-2 radar. It is a three-dimensional system equipped with a 3.5-meter-high antenna and constructed using 60 waveguides, each measuring 350 millimeters. The radar operates in the S-band frequency range.

Type-120 Radar:
The Type 120 radar, also known as LLQ-120, is a low-altitude search radar. It appears to be an evolved design derived from the JY-29/LSS-1 series. This telescopic radar features an antenna that measures 2.3 meters when retracted and extends to 7 meters when deployed. It utilizes a feed network composed of 16 waveguides, each 230 millimeters in diameter. The radar can rotate at a maximum speed of 10 revolutions per minute and operates in the L-band with a wavelength of 23.75 centimeters.

The Type-120 radar is likely co-located with the Type-305, and both systems transmit target tracking data to a command post responsible for managing HQ-9 and/or HQ-12 batteries. The Type-120 contributes frequency diversity and expands radar horizon coverage for detecting low-altitude aerial threats such as terrain-following aircraft and cruise missiles.

YLC-20 Radar:
Although the Type-305 radar series is claimed to be capable of detecting stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35, identifying fully stealthy platforms such as the B-2 remains a significant challenge. The passive YLC-20 radar was developed based on the KRTP-91 Tamara passive sensor concept and incorporates lessons learned from China’s unsuccessful attempt to acquire six VERA sensors from the Czech Republic. The YLC-20 was first introduced in 2006.

DWL002 Radar:
The DWL002 passive radar is considered an upgraded version of the YLC-20 and was developed based on the Kolchuga passive sensor system, of which four units were reportedly sold to China. The radar is said to have a maximum detection range of approximately 500 kilometers.

HQ-9 Launchers and Missiles:

The primary launcher system for the HQ-9 family is the Chinese-made Taian TA580/TAS5380 8×8 heavy-duty truck. This high-mobility chassis enables the system to execute “shoot-and-scoot” tactics, enhancing the battery’s survivability. The standard HQ-9/A/B launcher carries four ready-to-fire missile canisters, which are launched vertically.

The latest variant, the HQ-9C launcher system, features a key architectural change: the interceptor missile has been made slimmer, allowing each launcher to carry up to eight interceptors. This doubling of ready-to-fire munitions significantly boosts the battery’s immediate firepower, which is especially critical for maximizing kill probability against multiple targets or ballistic missiles that require dual-shot engagement strategies.

HQ-9 Missile:
The HQ-9 missile is a large, two-stage interceptor designed for high-speed performance and long-range engagements. According to the most reliable sources, its total weight is estimated to be close to 2 tons, with a length ranging between 6.8 and 9 meters. The missile’s structure consists of a large first stage with a diameter of 700 millimeters, followed by a slimmer second stage measuring 560 millimeters in diameter.

Propulsion for the HQ-9 missile is provided by a two-stage solid-fuel rocket motor. According to reports, newer versions utilize low-smoke hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant. The missile is capable of reaching a maximum speed of Mach 4.2. One of the distinct design features that sets the HQ-9 apart from certain S-300 derivatives is the presence of exposed thrust vector control (TVC) fins, which enhance maneuverability during the initial launch phase.

The HQ-9 missile employs a sophisticated guidance regime that has evolved significantly across its variants to improve accuracy and resistance to electronic interference. The base HQ-9 model uses an inertial guidance system during the mid-course phase, supplemented by frequent radio command updates from the fire-control radar. In the terminal phase, it relies on a technique known as Track-Via-Missile (TVM), which combines the advantages of semi-active radar homing (SARH) and command guidance. The estimated range of this version is between 120 and 150 kilometers.

HQ-9B Missile:
The HQ-9B interceptor introduces a passive infrared seeker. The inclusion of an electro-optical/passive infrared channel is essential for maintaining target tracking against stealth aircraft that emit reduced radar signatures but still produce significant thermal emissions—especially under heavy electronic jamming. If the system’s radar is forced to shut down to avoid anti-radiation missile attacks, the HQ-9B can continue tracking using its passive thermal signature, significantly enhancing its survivability and overall radar resilience. The range of this variant is reported to be between 260 and 300 kilometers.

HQ-9C Missile:
The HQ-9C interceptor is an upgraded version of the HQ-9B, with added ballistic missile defense capabilities. It is capable of performing both conventional air defense and low-altitude ballistic missile interception during the terminal phase. Compared to the standard HQ-9, the HQ-9C is slightly slimmer and longer, allowing each launch vehicle to carry eight missiles. Its range is estimated to be between 150 and 200 kilometers.

It is believed that both HQ-9B and HQ-9C variants are equipped with active radar homing (ARH) guidance. This enables the missile to operate in a true fire-and-forget mode after the internal seeker locks onto the target.

HQ-9 Warhead:
The HQ-9 missile is equipped with a heavy 180-kilogram high-explosive warhead, designed for maximum lethality. Its destructive power is ensured by a proximity fuze, which activates when the missile reaches within 5 kilometers of the target, guaranteeing detonation at the closest possible point. The warhead’s fragmentation blast has an effective radius of approximately 35 meters.

Naval Variants of the HQ-9 Missile:
All land-based versions of the HQ-9 missile have corresponding silo-launched naval variants, designated as HHQ-9A, HHQ-9B, and HHQ-9C.
HHQ-9A missiles are launched from six-tube vertical launch systems (VLS) installed on Type-052C class destroyers.
HHQ-9B missiles are fired from linear VLS arrays deployed aboard Type-052D and Type-055 class destroyers.

HQ-9 Air Defense System Operators:

The HQ-9 air defense system family is operated by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the air defense brigades of the PLA Rocket Force, and its naval variants by the PLA Navy.

Deployment of HQ-9 systems on disputed islands in the South China Sea is a key element of Beijing’s strategy to project military power. Satellite imagery confirmed HQ-9 batteries on Yongxing Island as of February 2016. Images from 2023 show the construction of hardened air defense facilities with retractable roofs on Woody Island, similar to those identified on Fiery Cross, Mischief, and Subi Reefs.

Pakistan:
Pakistan confirmed the purchase of the HQ-9P system (similar to the FD-2000) in 2021. This variant was customized for Pakistan and includes two types of missiles with ranges of 100 km and 250 km. The system is operated by both the Pakistan Army’s air defense units and the Pakistan Air Force. Pakistan also uses the YLC-8E radar with a 700 km range for early warning.

Egypt:
Egypt has recently deployed the advanced HQ-9B variant at strategic locations in the Sinai Peninsula.

Potential Operator – Iran:
In 2025, various media sources reported that Iran may be considering the acquisition of the HQ-9 system. Interest grew following the system’s performance during the India–Pakistan conflict and the reported destruction of Iranian S-300 systems during a 12-day engagement.

Unsuccessful Proposal – Turkey:
In 2013, Turkey, a NATO member, temporarily selected the FD-2000 export variant. However, the deal was canceled due to strong political pressure from NATO allies and the inclusion of China’s Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation on the U.S. sanctions list under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act.

Variants and Sub-Variants of the HQ-9 Missile System

Below is a list of the main variants and sub-variants of the HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system:

• HQ-9 — The original and baseline version of the system.
• HHQ-9 — The navalized version of the HQ-9 for shipborne deployment.
• HQ-9A — An improved variant; first tested in 1999 and entered service in 2001.
• HQ-9B — An upgraded version featuring a passive infrared seeker and an extended range of 260–300 km.
• HHQ-9B — The naval counterpart of the HQ-9B variant.
• HQ-9C — A further enhanced version with terminal-phase ballistic missile interception capability.
• HHQ-9C — The naval version of the HQ-9C interceptor.
• HQ-9P — A customized variant for Pakistan; reported to have a range of approximately 125 km for aircraft interception and 25 km for cruise missile defense.
• FD-2000 — The standard export version with a range of 125 km.
• FD-2000B — An export variant with an extended range of up to 250 km.
• FD-2000BE — The most advanced export version available to international customers.

HQ-9 Air Defense System – Technical Specifications:

Type: Long-range, high-altitude air defense and anti-ballistic missile system
Origin: China
Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)
Service Entry: 2001

System Range: 300 km
Engagement Range: Up to 300 km
Engagement Altitude: 50 km
Tracking Capability: Over 100 targets
Simultaneous Engagements: Over 50 targets
Battery Composition: Each battery includes 6 to 8 mobile launchers

Radars:
Fire-control radar: Passive electronically scanned array HT-233 with a range of 300 km
Acquisition radar: Active electronically scanned 3D radar Type 305A/B with a range of 350 km
Low-altitude search radar: Type 120
Passive detection radar: YLC-20
Passive detection radar: DWL002 with a range of 500 km

Missiles: HQ-9A/B/C

HQ-9A/B missile
Range:
120 to 150 km HQ-9A
260 to 300 km HQ-9B
Speed: Mach 4.2
Altitude: 50 km HQ-9B
Length: 6.8 m
Weight: 2000 kg
Warhead: 180 kg

HQ-9C Missile:
An upgraded version of the HQ-9B equipped with ballistic missile interception capability.

Source:
Air University | AusAirPower | Military History Wiki | AusAirPower IADS | AusAirPower Comparison | WeaponSystems.net