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Uzbekistan Strengthens its Air Defense with Chinese KS-1C and FM-90 Surface-to-Air Missile Systems.
On February 21, 2025, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited the Center for Innovative Technologies of the Defense Industry Agency to assess production capabilities and developments in military and dual-use technologies. This visit is part of the government's effort to modernize the defense sector by incorporating technological innovations and developing a local industry capable of addressing the country's security challenges. In this context, the appearance of Chinese KS-1C and FM-90 air defense systems has drawn attention, suggesting that Uzbekistan has integrated these systems into its military inventory.
The KS-1C and FM-90 provide Uzbekistan with modern air defense capabilities suited to contemporary threats. (Picture source: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
The acquisition of these surface-to-air missile systems represents a shift in the diversification of the country's defense procurement. Historically reliant on Soviet and later Russian equipment, Uzbekistan has recently expanded its military cooperation with China. Recent images indicate that these air defense systems, designed for intercepting enemy aircraft and missiles at short and medium ranges, are now operational within the Uzbek armed forces.
The KS-1C and FM-90 provide Uzbekistan with modern air defense capabilities suited to contemporary threats. The KS-1C, an improved version of the HQ-12, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile capable of engaging aerial targets at distances ranging from 5 to 50 km, with an interception altitude between 500 m and 25 km. It features semi-active radar homing and radio-command guidance, using an H-200 passive phased array radar, which can track multiple targets simultaneously at a range of 70 km. Weighing 900 kg and carrying a 100 kg warhead, the missile reaches speeds of 1,200 m/s, approximately Mach 3, making it effective against combat aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
The FM-90, an export version of the HQ-7B, is a short-range air defense system designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats. Based on the French Crotale missile system, it uses infrared or command guidance and is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor, allowing it to reach high speeds. Its operational range extends between 8 and 15 km, enabling effective interception of fast-moving and maneuverable targets, including fighter jets and drones. Each battery includes a short-range detection radar and three launchers, each capable of firing up to eight missiles. The integration of these two systems, covering both short- and medium-range threats, significantly enhances Uzbekistan’s air defense coverage, improving its ability to counter various aerial threats.
The acquisition of these Chinese systems reflects Uzbekistan’s intent to strengthen its defense capabilities while reducing reliance on Western and Russian equipment. Until recently, the Uzbek military primarily operated Soviet-era systems, modernized with Russian assistance. However, in recent years, the country has actively diversified its arms suppliers, acquiring equipment from Turkey and China.
This strategic shift is driven by the need to adapt military capabilities to evolving regional security challenges. China, increasingly present in arms exports to Central Asia, has become a key supplier for Uzbekistan. In addition to providing effective defense systems, Beijing facilitates technology transfers, enabling Uzbekistan to gradually enhance its domestic defense industry.
During his visit to the Center for Innovative Technologies, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of strengthening the competitiveness of the defense sector by developing new products and incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics. The center currently produces around 80 types of military and dual-use equipment and supports advanced research projects in defense technology.
The president also instructed officials to accelerate private sector involvement in defense production, encourage the creation of specialized jobs, and establish research laboratories to support this transformation. These initiatives aim to enhance the autonomy of Uzbekistan’s defense industry while ensuring production capabilities that align with the country’s strategic needs.
Uzbekistan’s defense industry is also expanding its presence internationally. At IDEX-2025 in Abu Dhabi, more than 100 models of domestically produced military equipment are on display. Among them, the "Arslan 8×8" and "Arslan 6×6" armored vehicles, along with the "Tofon" self-propelled howitzer, have attracted significant interest from foreign partners.
This expansion of the domestic defense sector is accompanied by a targeted procurement strategy, as demonstrated by the integration of the KS-1C and FM-90 systems. These new capabilities reflect a significant shift in Uzbekistan’s military posture, combining technological modernization with the diversification of military partnerships.
While official confirmation of these acquisitions is still awaited, their presence suggests a major transformation in Uzbekistan’s air defense strategy. This development also highlights China’s growing influence in arms exports to Central Asia, a region where global powers are increasingly competing for security alliances.