Chinese state media has released video footage demonstrating the production line of the short-range surface-to-air missile system.
Released in August, the footage shows the first high-quality images of a new production facility for the manufacturing of the HQ-17 all-weather low to medium altitude, short-range surface-to-air missile system in the country’s northern region of Inner Mongolia.
The HQ-17 is a Chinese development of the Russia-made Tor-M1 system with multiple improvements. Unlike the Tor system, the HQ-17 incorporates an IFF array on top of an electronically scanned array radar, modernized electronics, a new all-terrain launcher, and the ability to datalink with other Chinese systems.
The HQ-17 missile system is designed to protect frontline units like tank battalions against helicopters, cruise missiles, precision guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles.