With tensions running high on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea, China announced that its third generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is combat-ready.
China’s independently developed missile defense system will be deployed under the command of the PLAAF’s Hero Battalion, People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) spokesperson Shen Jinke announced Sunday, Aug. 28 reports the Xinhua News Agency.
“Through innovation-driven development, our surface-to-air defense troops are now able to effectively deal with short, medium, and long-range threats coming in at low, medium, and high altitudes,” said Shen.
“The capabilities of China’s air defense and anti-missile systems have improved greatly in the information age. Our surface-to-air defense troops can safeguard China’s airspace and maintain a shield for China’s blue sky.”
China’s next generation SAM system, which the PLAAF refers to as China’s “air defense iron fist,” consists of the HQ-9, HQ-12, and HQ-6 models.
The HQ-9 is capable of targeting and eliminating air raid targets and high-altitude reconnaissance aircrafts at long range. The HQ-12 is a mid-range defense system. The HQ-6 provides terminal short-range defense capabilities through anti-aircraft missiles, missile interceptors, and high-precision anti-aircraft guns.
The next generation defense system poses a threat to the U-2 spy plane, as well as U.S. projectile assault strength in the region, explains DefenseWorld.net.
“The air force is shifting away from traditional territorial air defense and towards being capable of both offense and defense,” Shen explained. “We will fully upgrade our strategic early warning systems, air strike, anti-aircraft and anti-missile, information countermeasure, air landing, strategic aerial delivery, and comprehensive support abilities.”
China introduced on Aug. 19 that it is interested in developing next-generation modular missiles outfitted with artificial intelligence and capable of being rapidly modified to satisfy the demands of a changing battlefield. Once completed, these missiles will likely be incorporated into the current air defense system.
China’s move to create a “blue sky shield” by enhancing its air defense capabilities comes amidst growing concern in Beijing over greater U.S. military involvement in the South China Sea and the U.S.-South Korean decision to install a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense shield in Seongju, South Korea.
Earlier this month, China promised a retaliatory response to the proposed THAAD deployment plan. Beijing argues that this missile defense shield threatens China’s national security by peering into Chinese territory.
China, worried that the THAAD system’s radar will expose vulnerabilities in China’s developing national defense system, has stated that it will take “necessary measures” to restore the balance of power in the region.
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