Cambodia Turns to Chinese QW-3 MANPADS and TH-S311 System to Develop a Mobile Air Defense Capability.

On May 4, 2025, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces officially unveiled the integration of two new Chinese-made air defense systems: the QW-3 Vanguard man-portable surface-to-air missile and the TH-S311 “Smart Com-Smart Hunter” command and control system. This public presentation reported on Weibo by @Madman Baiyang, held at the Guard Command Headquarters in Krang Chek, marked the completion of an intensive training program for the units now equipped with these updated capabilities. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Deputy Commander-in-Chief General Hing Bun Hieng, and featured a display of QW-3 launchers along with the radar and command components of the TH-S311 system.
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The QW-3 is a third-generation, infrared-guided missile system comparable to the U.S.-made FIM-92 Stinger or the Russian 9K38 Igla (Picture source: Weibo Channel @Madman Baiyang)

Long focused on infantry and conventional ground operations, Cambodia’s military is undergoing a strategic shift. The acquisition of systems intended to counter low-altitude aerial threats, such as drones, cruise missiles, and light aircraft, reflects a move toward a more mobile, modular, and networked air defense approach. The QW-3 is a third-generation, infrared-guided missile system comparable to the U.S.-made FIM-92 Stinger or the Russian 9K38 Igla. It is capable of engaging targets up to 3,000 meters in altitude, with an operational range of 5 to 6 kilometers. Unlike other Chinese MANPADS, the QW-3 uses semi-active laser guidance derived from the AGM-114 Hellfire missile, featuring a gyrostabilized seeker that enhances its accuracy against low-flying cruise missiles and terrain-hugging helicopters.

The key innovation lies in integrating the missile system into a broader, interconnected command network. The TH-S311 is a mobile digital platform, mountable on vehicles, designed to manage air defense operations in real time. It provides tactical situational awareness and processes targeting data, allowing for instant coordination between QW-3 operators deployed across various sectors. This approach transforms each unit into a node within a tactical network capable of responding swiftly to aerial incursions, particularly relevant in an era marked by rapid airstrikes and drone swarms.

The integration of these Chinese systems into the Cambodian military also reflects a broader geopolitical dynamic. At a time of rising tensions in the South China Sea and competing U.S.-Chinese influence in Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh’s decision to deepen its military ties with Beijing signals a deliberate strategic alignment. This is further demonstrated by Cambodia’s regular participation in joint military drills with China, most notably the “Golden Dragon” series, whose seventh edition, Golden Dragon-2025, began on May 17 at a Cambodian training center involving both land and maritime components.

Golden Dragon-2025 illustrates the deepening of Sino-Cambodian military cooperation. The arrival of the Chinese Type 071 amphibious ship Changbaishan at Ream port on May 12 marked the start of a new operational phase. The exercises encompass land, air, and naval operations, with demonstrations involving light weapons, tanks, helicopters, radar systems, and drones. Training activities include mixed-unit operations, rope descents, and the use of FPV and swarm drones, all conducted under joint Chinese Cambodian coordination. These drills aim to improve tactical integration, system interoperability, and unit coordination.

The TH-S311 is a mobile digital platform, mountable on vehicles, designed to manage air defense operations in real time. (Picture source:Weibo Channel @Madman Baiyang )

The growing participation of multiple branches and the use of advanced unmanned systems underscore the high level of strategic trust between Beijing and Phnom Penh. The exercise is structured in three phases, adaptive training, command simulation, and live-force operations, designed to progressively enhance joint operational readiness. The use of the newly established Ream Support and Training Center for maritime activities further strengthens its strategic role, particularly in light of Western concerns about China’s increasing footprint in Cambodia’s military infrastructure.

Beyond technical considerations, the deployment of the QW-3 and TH-S311 may allow Cambodia to protect sensitive sites, including Chinese-backed economic infrastructure and special economic zones. Some analysts see this as a response to evolving threats, such as smuggling networks using small aircraft, unauthorized aerial surveillance, and low-signature strike platforms.

Cambodian military officials, however, maintain that the acquisition is solely intended to address modern threats and reinforce national sovereignty. The emphasis on training, unit interconnectivity, and mobile platforms marks a significant doctrinal shift in a country that has historically relied on static defense positions. The adoption of complex systems and reliance on Chinese expertise demonstrate that Cambodia’s military transformation is as structural as it is technological.

The official deployment of the QW-3 and TH-S311 on May 4, coupled with the launch of Golden Dragon-2025, reflects a deeper convergence between military strategy and regional diplomacy. While Cambodia does not aspire to regional power status, it is seeking to integrate modern digital capabilities and adapt to a battlespace increasingly shaped by connectivity, unmanned systems, and rapid reaction.