HQ-17AE: China's Next-Gen Short-Range Air Defense System
The HQ-17AE is China's advanced, export-oriented short-range air defense missile system, designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions at low to medium altitudes.
System Overview
Key Features
- Type: Short-to-medium range surface-to-air missile system
- Origin: China (developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation - CASIC)
- Export Version: Designated AE (Advanced Export)
- Mobility: Tracked vehicle for all-terrain mobility
- Automation: Can operate independently or integrated into larger air defense networks
Technical Specifications
Engagement Capabilities
- Range: 1.5-20 km
- Altitude: 10-10,000 meters
- Speed: Mach 2.3 (missile)
- Targets: Aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, drones
Radar System
- Type: Phased array radar
- Detection Range: 30 km
- Tracking Targets: Up to 8 simultaneously
- Engagement: 4 targets simultaneously
Mobility & Deployment
- Vehicle: Tracked chassis
- Missiles: 8 ready-to-fire missiles
- Deployment Time: <5 minutes
- Crew: 3 operators
Missile Characteristics
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 3.3 meters |
| Diameter | 0.23 meters |
| Weight | 165 kg |
| Guidance | Radio command + terminal radar homing |
| Warhead | High-explosive fragmentation (15 kg) |
| Single-shot kill probability | >85% |
Operational Advantages
Combat Features
- All-Weather Capability: Operates in day/night and adverse weather
- ECCM: Electronic counter-countermeasures resistant
- Network Integration: Can receive targeting data from other radars
- Quick Reaction: <8 seconds from target detection to missile launch
- High Mobility: Can fire on the move (unlike older HQ-7 systems)
Comparison with Similar Systems
| System | HQ-17AE (China) | Tor-M2 (Russia) | NASAMS (Norway/US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 20 km | 16 km | 25 km |
| Altitude | 10-10,000 m | 10-12,000 m | 15-14,000 m |
| Missiles | 8 ready | 8 ready | 6 ready |
| Mobility | Tracked | Tracked | Wheeled |
| Targets Engaged | 4 | 4 | 6 |
Deployment & Export
The HQ-17AE is marketed as an advanced export alternative to Russian systems like the Tor-M2:
- Operators: Confirmed in Chinese service; export customers possibly include Middle Eastern and African nations
- Cost: Estimated $15-25 million per battery (competitive with Western systems)
- Training: Includes simulators and maintenance packages