Serbia shifts defense strategy, buys Chinese anti-aircraft system
Serbia did not receive the ordered weaponry from Russia, so it turned to an alternative from another country. The Serbian Ministry of Defense published photos of the Chinese HQ-17AE anti-aircraft system. We describe its capabilities.
9:56 AM EDT, July 1, 2024
Neither the Serbian government nor the local Ministry of Defense had previously informed the public about the purchase of this anti-aircraft system from the People's Republic of China. According to local observers, the system might have been purchased as an alternative to the Russian Pantsir-S1 system, the delivery of which was disrupted by the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.
HQ-17AE in Serbia
The Serbian Ministry of Defense released photos from a military event showcasing elements of this Chinese anti-aircraft system. This recent example confirms that Serbia is increasingly moving away from contracts with Russia. Serbia also confirmed its intention to purchase French Rafale fighters, among other things.
Chinese anti-aircraft system
The HQ-17AE is the export version of the Chinese-wheeled HQ-17A anti-aircraft system, essentially a copy of the Soviet Tor-M1 air defense system. China attempted to obtain a production license, but Russia refused to cooperate, so the equipment was reverse-engineered.
The HQ-17AE is designed to protect soldiers and important strategic objects from airborne threats. It can intercept aerial targets from 1 mile to 9 miles, operating at altitudes from 33 feet to 33,000 feet. The missiles used in the launchers are guided to their targets by a semi-active homing head that identifies targets using radar.
The wheeled launcher version is based on a 6x6 chassis with a lightly armored body that protects against small arms fire and shrapnel. The vehicle weighs approximately 66,000 lbs and is about 32 feet long, 10 feet high, and 12 feet wide. The maximum speed is 50 mph, with a range of 500 miles.
A standard, complete HQ-17 air defense system battery includes one command vehicle, four rocket launcher vehicles, two reloading vehicles, two ammunition transport vehicles, and additional support vehicles. During the event, a launcher and a reloading vehicle were presented. Details of the Serbian order made in China are unknown; even local media do not report how many batteries they decided to purchase.
