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Pakistan confirms operation of Chinese HQ-17AE short-range air defense
The HQ-17AE system targets low-altitude and short-range threats such as drones and cruise missiles, with an operational range up to 20km and altitude up to 10km.
Pakistan has confirmed it is operating a newly acquired Chinese-made short-range air defense system, the HQ-17AE, according to a video published by the Pakistan Air Force, as described by SCMP Economy.
The HQ-17AE is an export variant of China’s HQ-17A system, and is described as a wheeled platform originally tied to a reverse-engineered lineage from the Russian Tor-M1 missile system. The outlet reports the system can engage low-altitude and short-range threats including unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, cruise missiles, guided munitions, and aircraft.
SCMP Economy reports the HQ-17AE has an operational range of up to 20km and a flight altitude of up to 10km. The system has been exported to other countries including Saudi Arabia, Serbia, and Tajikistan, making Pakistan the fourth foreign operator.
The outlet said Pakistan’s disclosure also aimed to highlight the air force’s multidomain operational capabilities, referencing the border conflict with India in May of last year.