Tajikistan showcased its newly acquired HQ-17AE air defense system for the first time during a military parade commemorating the 32nd anniversary of its Armed Forces.
The display featured four combat vehicles alongside two transporter-loader vehicles, highlighting the strengthening military ties between Tajikistan and China.
Reports indicate that the HQ-17AE, a sophisticated short-range surface-to-air missile system, was recently received from China as part of Tajikistan’s initiative to enhance its air defense capabilities. This system, which is based on the Russian Tor-M1, is engineered for all-weather functionality and is capable of intercepting low- to medium-altitude aerial threats.
The HQ-17AE missile shares similar specifications with the Tor-M1, weighing around 165 kg, measuring 2.9 meters in length, and having a diameter of 0.23 meters. It features an interception range of 1.5 km to 15 km and can engage targets at altitudes from 10 m to 10 km, slightly surpassing the performance of its Russian counterpart. The system was officially adopted by the People’s Liberation Army of China in 2013 and was publicly recognized by Chinese military officials in 2015.
In addition to China, the HQ-17AE has been sold to Serbia and Saudi Arabia, illustrating Beijing’s expanding presence in the global arms market. Tajikistan’s acquisition aligns with a regional trend, as neighboring Uzbekistan is also enhancing its air defense capabilities with Chinese systems, including the FM-90 short-range surface-to-air missile system and the KS-1C medium-to-long-range air defense system.
The integration of the HQ-17AE into Tajikistan’s military arsenal marks a significant shift in the country’s defense procurement approach, indicating a closer alignment with China for advanced military technology.
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