New Chinese HQ-19 defence system can target ballistic missiles, hypersonic threats

China’s latest missile defence system, the Hongqi-19 (HQ-19), is set to redefine the country’s defence capabilities, offering advanced protection against ballistic and hypersonic missile threats.

The system is designed to intercept targets both outside the Earth’s atmosphere and those moving at hypersonic speeds within it, Caliber.Az reports via Chinese media. 

Though full specifications of the HQ-19 have not yet been released, experts suggest the system may surpass the capabilities of the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, particularly in intercepting missiles at higher altitudes and greater distances.

While THAAD can engage targets at ranges of up to 200 km and altitudes of 150 km, the HQ-19 is believed to have a maximum operational range of 500-600 km, making it a formidable addition to China’s defence arsenal.

The HQ-19, also known as Red Flag 19, is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding China against ballistic missiles, including those carrying nuclear warheads, launched from great altitudes. Experts assert that the system’s ability to intercept hypersonic targets within the atmosphere significantly outperforms the THAAD system, which lacks such capabilities.

The HQ-19 system is mounted on a mobile launcher that can carry up to six interceptor missiles. Each missile has a diameter of approximately 50 cm and a length of seven meters. Though its hypersonic interception capabilities are expected to be limited to short- and medium-range targets, the HQ-19’s potential to protect Chinese airspace from advanced missile threats is undeniable.

By Khagan Isayev