The Pakistan Army has commissioned the Chinese-developed HQ-9/P high to medium air defense system (HIMADS).
The induction ceremony took place at the army air defense center in Karachi on October 14, and was attended by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, as well senior officials from China.
Pakistan’s FD-2000, as the export variant of the HQ-9 is labeled, is said to have capabilities similar to the S-300, as it is believed to draw upon the Soviet system. According to available information, the system can cover an area of close to 50,000 square kilometers and intercept aircraft at ranges of up to 125 kilometers.
The systems is manufactured by China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation (CPMIEC).
“Induction of HIMADS will significantly enhance the comprehensive layered integrated air defense (CLIAD) shield of aerial frontiers of Pakistan as the system is fully integrated through a well-knit digitized system on its inventory,” the Pakistan defense ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that the system is capable of intercepting multiple air targets including aircraft, cruise missiles and beyond visual range weapons at ranges over 100 kilometers with single shot kill probability.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Qamar Javed Bajwa highlighted the Pakistan–China strategic partnership and defense collaboration as a factor of stability in the region, adding that the induction of the systems “would make Pakistan’s air defense impenetrable in the emerging threat scenario.”
In addition to Pakistan, HQ-9 is in service in China, Algeria, Morocco, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Turkey initially also chose the system for its long-range air-and missile-defense program but later walked away from the purchase due to political reasons.
