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) 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).

History

The HQ-22 was publicly revealed at the 2016 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.

The HQ-22 entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by 2019.

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. They were the first Chinese medium- or long-range air defence system exported to Europe.

In April 2021, India reported that China had deployed the HQ-22 near eastern Ladakh.

Description

PLAAF HQ-22 system

The HQ-22 air defence system is a second generation development of the HQ-12 missile. It is intended as a low-cost replacement for the HQ-2.

The missile is "wingless" compared to the preceding HQ-12. The missile uses semi-active radar guidance to reduce cost, and may switch to radio command guidance in an environment with "strong electronic interference".

An HQ-22 unit includes four to eight transporter erector launchers, each with four missiles. The radar vehicle reportedly permits six targets to be engaged simultaneously.

Variants

  • HQ-22: Chinese domestic variant with speed of Mach 6 and a range of 170 kilometres (110 mi).
  • HQ-22A: Chinese domestic variant, debuted at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade.
  • FK-3: Export variant with speed of Mach 6 and a maximum range of 100 kilometres (62 mi).

Operators

Current operators: China, Serbia, Thailand

China

Serbia

Thailand

Gallery

  • The system as seen from behind
  • HQ-22 radar (right)
  • HQ-22 missile tube

See also

Citations

Sources

  • The International Institute for Strategic Studies (13 February 2024). The Military Balance 2024. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-032-78004-7.