HQ-22
Chinese air defence system
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The HQ-22 (simplified Chinese: 红旗-22; traditional Chinese: 紅旗-22; pinyin: Hóng Qí-22; lit. 'Red Banner-22'; NATO reporting name: CH-SA-20[2]) is a medium- to long-range semi-active radar homing/radio-command guidance air defence system developed and manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).[1]
| HQ-22 / FK-3 | |
|---|---|
Serbian Armed Forces FK-3 (export version of HQ-22) | |
| Type | Surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2019–present |
| Used by | See § Operators |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)[1] |
| Specifications | |
Detonation mechanism | Impact/proximity |
| Engine | Rocket motor |
| Propellant | Solid fuel[1] |
Operational range | HQ-22: 170 kilometres (110 mi) FK-3: 100 kilometres (62 mi) |
Guidance system | Semi-active radar homing/radio-command guidance |
Launch platform | Ground |
History
The HQ-22 was publicly revealed at the 2016 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.[1]
The HQ-22 entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by 2019.[3]
Serbia purchased the FK-3, the export variant, in 2019; they were delivered by PLAAF Xi'an Y-20 transport aircraft and entered service in April 2022.[4] They were the first Chinese medium- or long-range air defence system exported to Europe.[5]
In April 2021, India reported that China had deployed the HQ-22 near eastern Ladakh.[6]
Description
The HQ-22 air defence system is a second generation development of the HQ-12 missile.[7] It is intended as a low-cost replacement for the HQ-2.[1]
The missile is "wingless" compared to the preceding HQ-12.[7] The missile uses semi-active radar guidance to reduce cost, and may switch to radio command guidance in an environment with "strong electronic interference".[1]
A HQ-22 unit includes four to eight transporter erector launchers, each with four missiles.[1] The radar vehicle reportedly permits six targets to be engaged simultaneously.[8]
Variants
- HQ-22: Chinese domestic variant with speed of Mach 6 and a range of 170 kilometres (110 mi).[1]
- HQ-22A: Chinese domestic variant, debuted at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade.[9]
- FK-3: Export variant with speed of Mach 6 and a maximum range of 100 kilometres (62 mi).[1]
Operators
- People's Liberation Army Air Force - 130+ HQ-22[10]
- Serbian Air Force and Air Defence - 4 batteries FK-3[11]
- Air and Coastal Defense Command - 3 batteries FK-3[12]