China showcases HQ-20 air defence missile system to the world in first public test; learn about its features
The HQ-20 is integrated with the Chinese Air Force's land-based units and land-based air defence regiments.
New Delhi: China has conducted its first public live test of the HQ-20 air defence system. China has also released footage of the HQ-20 live fire test. China stated that the test was conducted on November 11, the anniversary of the Air Force. The sequence of the HQ-20 air defence missile system was demonstrated, from canister elevation to interceptor release. It shows the eight-cell launcher layout and the system’s position within China’s defence network. It has been introduced to fill the medium-to-high-intermediate-range gap between the HQ-16 and HQ-22A.
The Army Recognize report states that the HQ-20 demonstration is part of the ongoing modernisation of the Chinese air defence network. It is based on a combination of ground radar, Air Force interceptors, airborne early warning aircraft, and surface-to-air missiles. Previous parades featured the HQ-20 as part of a ground formation. A November video showed a full launch cycle, confirming its active use in training activities.
China’s air defence system
Before the HQ-20, Chinese air defence systems included the HQ-2, HQ-61, HQ-12, and HQ-16. HQ-20 batteries appear to be structured around mobile transporter erector launchers (TELs), radar vehicles, and command elements, which together form a complete firing unit. Each launcher is mounted on a heavy wheeled chassis, commonly described as an 8×8 high-mobility vehicle.
The HQ-20 is capable of firing in any direction without turning the vehicle. It can intercept aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles approaching from multiple directions. The radar components of this system include a meter-wave early warning radar, often combined with a JY-27 sensor to detect targets with low radar cross-section at long ranges.
Critical for medium range
The HQ-20’s performance data reflects a concept focused on increased fire density, improved coverage, and reduced reaction time in the medium- to upper-medium-range band. This eight-missile launcher enhances the ready-to-fire capability compared to earlier six-round systems, such as the HQ-16 launcher. China has deployed the HQ-20 between short- and long-range interceptors, integrating it into such a structure.
The HQ-20 is integrated with the Chinese Air Force’s land-based units and land-based air defence regiments, supporting fixed-position defence and mobile operations. The November 2025 launch confirms that the HQ-20 is operating within this distributed structure. It contributes to a comprehensive defensive system aimed at dealing with a growing range of air and missile threats.
What's Your Reaction?
