Tajikistan buys Chinese HQ-17AE air defense system

Tajikistan publicly displayed its newly acquired HQ-17AE air defense system for the first time during a military parade marking the 32nd anniversary of its Armed Forces.

The event showcased four combat vehicles and two transporter-loader vehicles, underscoring the growing military cooperation between Tajikistan and China.

According to reports, the HQ-17AE, an advanced short-range surface-to-air missile system, was recently delivered from China as part of Tajikistan’s efforts to modernize its air defense capabilities. The system, developed from the Russian Tor-M1, is designed for all-weather operations and can intercept low- to medium-altitude aerial threats.

The HQ-17AE missile closely resembles the Tor-M1 in terms of specifications, weighing approximately 165 kg, measuring 2.9 meters in length, and having a diameter of 0.23 meters. It boasts an interception range of 1.5 km to 15 km and an altitude engagement envelope of 10 m to 10 km, slightly exceeding the capabilities of its Russian predecessor. The system officially entered service with the People’s Liberation Army of China in 2013 and was publicly acknowledged by Chinese military officials in 2015.

Beyond China, the HQ-17AE has also been exported to Serbia and Saudi Arabia, reflecting Beijing’s growing influence in the global arms market. Tajikistan’s acquisition follows a broader regional trend, with neighboring Uzbekistan also bolstering its air defense with Chinese-made systems, including the FM-90 short-range surface-to-air missile system and the KS-1C medium-to-long-range air defense system.

The introduction of the HQ-17AE into Tajikistan’s military inventory signals a strategic shift in the country’s defense procurement strategy, aligning more closely with China for advanced weaponry.