Serbia Continues to Purchase Chinese Equipment with Acquisition of HQ-17AE Air Defense Missile Systems.

According to a post published by the Serbian Journalist Peter Voinovich on his X account on June 27, 2024, the Serbian Armed Forces have taken delivery of the Chinese HQ-17AE Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system. This acquisition marks another step in the growing defense relationship between Serbia and China, which has seen significant military cooperation and equipment transfers since 2019.
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Chinese-made HQ-17AE air defense missile system is now in service with the Serbian armed forces.  (Picture source: X Account Peter Voinovich)

Serbia's procurement of the HQ-17AE SAM system is part of a broader strategy to modernize its military capabilities and enhance its national defense. The HQ-17AE is an advanced air defense system renowned for its combat capabilities and technological sophistication. It features a highly mobile and versatile design, capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging various aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system's radar and missile technologies enable it to perform effectively in complex and contested environments, providing robust protection against potential aerial attacks.

The HQ-17AE’s main features include its rapid deployment capability, high-precision tracking, and interception accuracy. It is equipped with an advanced radar system that ensures quick target acquisition and engagement, making it a formidable asset in Serbia’s air defense arsenal. The system can operate independently or as part of an integrated air defense network, allowing for flexible and adaptive operational strategies.

The HQ-17AE is an all-weather, low to medium-altitude, short-range surface-to-air missile system. As reported by the state-owned Global Times newspaper on March 7, China has authorized the export of this variant of the HQ-17A road-mobile, short-range air-defense (SHORAD) system.

Developed by the Second Academy of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), the 6×6 HQ-17AE is designed to provide air defense against precision-guided munitions such as cruise missiles, guided bombs, and air-to-surface missiles. It also targets traditional SHORAD threats including aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The HQ-17 missile resembles the Tor-M1, with a weight of approximately 165 kg, a length of about 2.9 meters, and a diameter of roughly 0.23 meters. It boasts a slant range for intercepting aerial targets from 1.5 km to 15 km, slightly longer than that of the Tor-M1, and operates at altitudes ranging from 10 meters to 10 km.

The missile guidance system utilizes semi-active radar homing, which is facilitated by the tracking radar, television sight, or thermal sight on the launch vehicle.

Each HQ-17AE vehicle is equipped with two sets of four missile canisters, totaling eight missiles. Reloading is managed by a Shaanxi SX2306 reloading truck equipped with a crane, capable of reloading four missiles at a time.

This latest acquisition follows a series of military purchases from China that began in 2019, highlighting the deepening defense ties between the two countries. Among these acquisitions are the CH-92 and CH-95 armed drones, which have significantly enhanced Serbia's reconnaissance and strike capabilities. Additionally, Serbia has acquired FT-8 precision-guided air-to-surface missiles, further augmenting its precision strike potential. Another notable procurement is the FK-3, an export variant of China's HQ-22 air defense missile system, which provides long-range air defense coverage and complements the capabilities of the newly acquired HQ-17AE.

The defense partnership between Serbia and China reflects a strategic alignment and mutual interest in strengthening military cooperation. For Serbia, these acquisitions are crucial in maintaining a credible deterrence posture and ensuring the security of its airspace. For China, the collaboration extends its influence and showcases its advanced defense technologies on the international stage.

The acquisition of the HQ-17AE SAM system is a significant addition to Serbia’s military capabilities, reinforcing its air defense and showcasing the robust defense partnership with China. This move not only enhances Serbia's national security but also underscores the strategic importance of Sino-Serbian defense cooperation in the current geopolitical landscape.