Tajikistan Unveils Chinese HQ-17AE Air Defense System, Marking Shift from Soviet-Era Equipment

Tajikistan Modernizes Air Defense with Chinese HQ-17AE Systems

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – Tajikistan has officially unveiled its newly acquired HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems from China, marking a substantial upgrade to the nation's air defense capabilities. The advanced systems were publicly displayed for the first time on February 23, 2025, during a military parade commemorating the 32nd anniversary of Tajikistan's Armed Forces. This acquisition signifies a strategic move by Tajikistan to modernize its military infrastructure, transitioning from its long-standing reliance on Soviet-era defense technology.

Capabilities of the HQ-17AE System

The HQ-17AE is an advanced short-range air defense system developed by the Second Academy of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). It is an export version of the HQ-17A, which itself is derived from the Russian Tor-M1 platform. Designed for all-weather operations, the system is capable of effectively intercepting a wide range of aerial threats, including:

• Aircraft and helicopters
• Cruise missiles and guided bombs
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Potentially stealth aircraft and supersonic cruise missiles

Each HQ-17AE vehicle is equipped with two sets of four missile tubes, allowing for a total of eight missiles. The system boasts an impressive interception range of 1.5 km to 15 km and can engage targets at altitudes from 10 meters to 10 kilometers. Its advanced radar technology ensures rapid target acquisition and engagement, providing enhanced protection against low-altitude and fast-moving threats.

Shifting Defense Procurement and Regional Implications

The introduction of the HQ-17AE into Tajikistan's military inventory represents a significant shift in the country's defense procurement strategy. Historically, Tajikistan's air defense relied on older Soviet-made systems such as the Osa and Strela-10. This pivot towards Chinese military technology for critical national defense systems indicates strengthening military ties between Dushanbe and Beijing.

Tajikistan's acquisition is part of a broader regional trend in Central Asia, where nations are increasingly turning to China for defense modernization. Neighboring Uzbekistan, for instance, has also enhanced its air defense capabilities with Chinese-made systems, including the FM-90 and KS-1C. This trend highlights China's growing role as a preferred defense supplier in a region traditionally considered within Russia's sphere of influence.

Conclusion

The public display of the HQ-17AE systems underscores Tajikistan's commitment to modernizing its armed forces and enhancing its national security. This strategic acquisition not only bolsters Tajikistan's defensive capabilities against contemporary aerial threats but also signifies a deepening military relationship with China, potentially influencing regional security dynamics and traditional defense partnerships in Central Asia.