The HQ-16 (NATO reporting name: CH-SA-16) is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) from the People's Republic of China. It is derived from earlier versions of the Russian Buk missile system.

Development

Development began in 2005, and was reportedly assisted by the Almaz-Antey Corporation. It was initially developed as a naval system. In late-2011, China reported the "co-development between Russia and China" of the missile was complete. The HQ-16B was developed by late-2011. A ground battery consists of a command post, two multifunction radars, and four to six launchers. Each launcher has six missiles.

Operational history

The platform for the HHQ-16, the Type 054A frigate, entered service in 2008. The HQ-16A entered service in 2011. The HQ-16A entered Chinese service in 2011. Pakistan entered negotiations to purchase the missile in 2015. The LY-80s entered service with the Pakistan Army in March 2017.

Variants

Original land-based variant with a range of 40 km. Naval variant, reportedly a domestic-produced variant of the 9M317ME missile. Improved variant with slant range exceeding 70 km. Improved variant with slant range exceeding 70 km. Export variant. Export naval variant. Improved variant with range up to 160 km.

Operators

Sources