Exclusive: China Strengthens Global Air Defense Export Market with New HQ-9BE Surface-to-Air Missile.

China has unveiled a new generation of surface-to-air missile technology with the development of the HQ-9BE, a cutting-edge variant designed specifically for the export market. As part of China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its air defense capabilities, the HQ-9BE serves as an advanced solution for nations seeking to strengthen their defense infrastructures. This new missile system was presented at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where it drew attention for its impressive specifications and versatile performance. Tailored to meet the diverse operational needs of foreign military forces, the HQ-9BE enhances China’s position as a key player in the global air defense market.
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China Displays Full-Scale Model of HQ-9BE Surface-to-Air Missile at IDEX 2025, Showcasing Advanced Air Defense Capabilities. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The HQ-9BE is the latest iteration of China's HQ-9 series, which has been designed to provide highly effective air defense against a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and even tactical ballistic missiles (TBM). It boasts an operational range of up to 250 km, with an interception slant range between 5 km and 260 km. This makes it a formidable asset for national air defense, particularly in countering a variety of airborne threats. The missile’s flight ceiling reaches 50 km, and its maximum speed exceeds Mach 4, ensuring high-speed interception capabilities against even the most advanced aerial targets.

One of the standout features of the HQ-9BE is its robust anti-jamming ability, which significantly enhances its reliability in complex and contested environments. This feature ensures that the missile can operate effectively even in the presence of electronic warfare tactics, a critical advantage in modern warfare scenarios. Additionally, the HQ-9BE is capable of guiding up to 16 missiles simultaneously to intercept as many as 8 different targets, giving it a significant multi-target capability.

The missile is equipped with a semi-active radar homing guidance system, enabling precise targeting and high accuracy during engagements. The HQ-9BE can be integrated into a larger multi-layered air defense network, serving as the main combat weapon for national air defense systems. Its command and control capabilities allow it to coordinate with other air defense assets, forming a cohesive and powerful defense umbrella. This integration is crucial for ensuring a comprehensive defense against multiple aerial threats.

China's growing defense industry is becoming a key force in the global arms market, with the HQ-9BE marking another milestone in its rise as a competitive exporter of advanced military technology. The missile system's potential for export is set to significantly boost China’s defense industry, positioning it as a major competitor to established players such as the United States and Russia in the surface-to-air missile sector. As geopolitical tensions rise across various regions, demand for advanced air defense systems is expected to grow, and the HQ-9BE is positioned to play a pivotal role in this shift.

The unveiling of the HQ-9BE missile system is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its defense exports and foster international cooperation in defense technologies. As one of the most significant defense exhibitions in the world, IDEX 2025 served as an ideal platform for the introduction of such advanced systems. The event attracted top-tier defense professionals, military officials, and industry leaders from around the globe, offering a glimpse into the future of military technology.

The Chinese delegation at IDEX 2025, led by prominent defense manufacturers such as Norinco and CATIC (China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation), showcased not only the HQ-9BE but also a wide array of Chinese innovations in radar systems, unmanned vehicles, and advanced weaponry. The strategic emphasis on producing cost-effective yet highly capable defense systems makes the HQ-9BE an appealing option for nations seeking to modernize their air defense infrastructure without the heavy financial burden often associated with Western technologies.

The HQ-9BE missile system is expected to attract significant interest from countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, regions that are increasingly focused on enhancing their air defense capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. As these regions continue to experience growing security concerns, the need for a reliable, powerful, and affordable air defense system has never been more pressing. The HQ-9BE's versatility, cutting-edge technology, and ability to integrate with other defense systems position it as a crucial asset for countries looking to strengthen their defensive capabilities.

Looking forward, the HQ-9BE marks a new chapter in the evolution of China's missile defense technology, offering enhanced capabilities and broad export potential. Its presence at IDEX 2025 highlights China’s growing influence in the global defense market and reaffirms its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for a wide array of defense challenges. As the international defense community continues to gather in Abu Dhabi for IDEX 2025, it is clear that the future of air defense will be shaped by innovative systems like the HQ-9BE, offering nations worldwide the tools needed to safeguard their skies.

The HQ-9BE is more than just a missile; it is a testament to the growing strength of China’s defense industry, which is increasingly positioning itself as a leading provider of high-performance air defense systems on the global stage. With its impressive range, advanced guidance systems, anti-jamming capabilities, and multi-target interception capacity, the HQ-9BE represents a significant leap forward in China’s military exports, further cementing the country’s role as a major competitor in the global defense market.