New Falcon 70 system fills gaps in China’s short and medium-range air defense capabilities.

On November 11, China unveiled the new Falcon 70 short- and medium-range air defense system at the Zhuhai Air Show 2024. Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), this system integrates detection, guidance, and interception capabilities, allowing it to operate independently. Yang Guang, a representative from the Shanghai Academy, highlighted the system’s multi-role configuration aimed at intercepting aerial threats that penetrate medium- and long-range air defense networks, such as cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, guided bombs, rockets, and aircraft, including fixed-wing planes, helicopters, and drones.
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Although currently equipped with a Volvo 6x2 chassis, the platform could be integrated with other configurations based on client requirements, enabling its potential use by different branches of China’s military, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Rocket Force. (Picture source: Weibo)

In its design, the Falcon 70 addresses limitations observed in previous air defense systems, particularly challenges posed by swarm attacks. China's air defense infrastructure previously relied heavily on systems like the HQ-16 and HQ-7B, which have relatively limited missile capacities, constraining their ability to handle dense aerial threats without a reload. Russia's experiences in Syria and Ukraine with the Pantsir-S1 system, which encountered difficulties intercepting successive UAV swarms, further demonstrate these challenges. The Falcon 70 system responds to such needs by supporting 21 missiles per vehicle, offering greater resistance to saturation attacks. In a battalion configuration, a Falcon 70 unit can launch over a hundred medium- and short-range missiles, surpassing the engagement capabilities of comparable systems, including Israel's Spyder and Russia’s latest Tor-M2 and Buk-M2 systems.

While primarily intended for export, the Falcon 70 is also viewed by CASC as a potential upgrade for China’s own air defense capabilities. China's medium- and short-range air defense currently comprises the HQ-16 and HQ-17 systems, with the HQ-16 tasked with protecting larger operational zones and the HQ-17 focused on battlefield proximity defense. The Falcon 70 provides a system capable of bridging the 15–70 km range gap between existing short- and mid-range systems, as well as offering a higher missile capacity per battery and an adaptable platform.

The Falcon 70 system's response to emerging air assault tactics includes "soft and hard" kill methods to counter UAV and loitering munition swarms. It is equipped with electronic countermeasures that disrupt communication links and GPS signals of incoming swarm drones, reducing their effectiveness and causing them to lose coordination. The growing threat posed by UAVs and loitering munitions has led to similar developments in nearby regions. For instance, Taiwan has developed the Jian Xiang anti-radiation drone, reportedly to counter Chinese air defense systems, while India has invested in anti-radiation and loitering munitions, acquiring Israeli-made Harpy and Harop drones. The Falcon 70’s features align with these trends, incorporating anti-swarm capabilities to address drone threats.

Accordingly, the Falcon 70 includes a phased-array radar and electro-optical tracking mounted on its combat vehicle, enabling it to detect and track targets independently and maintain mobility during operations. The vehicle can be deployed in both field and point-defense roles, designed to protect long-range convoys and critical infrastructure. The LY-70 medium-range missile, a key component of the Falcon 70, uses composite guidance (including inertial navigation, data links, and active radar), providing reliable targeting against various aerial threats, while the FB-10A short-range missile employs infrared imaging guidance for strong multi-target capabilities and anti-jamming performance, with an interception range of up to 18 kilometers. Together, these missiles reportedly achieve a high probability of target destruction, reaching up to 90%.

The Falcon 70 system’s flexibility is reflected in its modular vehicle platform, which can be adapted to various operational needs by mounting on different vehicles, such as tracked or armored vehicles. Although currently equipped with a Volvo 6x2 chassis, the platform could be integrated with other configurations based on client requirements, enabling its potential use by different branches of China’s military, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Rocket Force.

The recent introduction of the Falcon 70, SWS2, and HQ-19 air defense systems at the Zhuhai Air Show 2024 collectively strengthens China's multi-layered defense capabilities. The Falcon 70 addresses medium- and short-range aerial threats, including drones, with autonomous operational features. The SWS2, which combines a 35mm cannon with missile launchers, provides flexible close-range defense, and the HQ-19 focuses on intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles, enhancing China's missile defense comparable to systems like THAAD. Together, these systems offer comprehensive defense against a range of threats, from drones and cruise missiles to ballistic missiles, reinforcing China’s strategic air defense infrastructure.