9 September 2025

HQ-29: China’s New “Satellite-Killer” Missiles Threaten To End U.S. Space Dominance, Cripple American Military

Sumit Ahlawat

China showcased a series of offensive weapons systems during the Victory Day military parade in Beijing on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in the Second World War.

China’s hypersonic weapons, anti-ship ballistic missiles, submarine-launched missiles, nuclear-tipped torpedoes, and laser weapon systems all gathered worldwide attention.

During the parade, China also demonstrated its layered state-of-the-art air defense and antiballistic missile systems.

To demonstrate its multi-stage, multi-layer air and missile defense network, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) brought six types of advanced AD systems to the parade.

The HQ-11, HQ-20, HQ-22A, HQ-9C, HQ-19, and HQ-29 – Six types of air defense systems were showcased during the parade.

Among them, the event marked the public debut of the HQ-20 and HQ-22A anti-aircraft missile systems. China also unveiled its long-speculated HQ-29 air and missile defense system for the first time.

The other three AD systems — HQ-11, HQ-9C, and HQ-19 — have been part of Chinese defense shows in recent years. The HQ-11 and HQ-19 were showcased at the 15th Airshow in Zhuhai, China, in November 2024.
Chinese AD Systems

Together, the six Chinese AD systems can carry out long-range, medium-range, and short-range air defense missions and multiple-course, multi-layer antiballistic missile interception, building a solid barrier for air and aerospace defense.

The HQ-11 has been described as a terminal defense weapon, mainly used to intercept air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs, cruise missiles, as well as fixed-wing combat aircraft, helicopters, and other air strike weapons, providing mid to low-altitude and short-range terminal defense for high-value targets.

No comments: