The Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted tactical training using portable surface-to-air missiles to intercept stealth fighters.
State-run media CCTV released footage of the training, which demonstrated the combination of vehicle-mounted air defense missiles and portable infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles to target stealth aircraft that are difficult to detect by radar.
The training involved the HQ-16 air defense missile and portable surface-to-air missiles (MANPADS). The HQ-16 is a medium-range air defense missile mounted on vehicles, while the specific types of MANPADS used were not disclosed. China's portable surface-to-air missiles include the QW-12 and FN-16.
During the exercise, the HQ-16 was responsible for most aerial targets, while the final target, simulating a stealth fighter, was engaged by the MANPADS. The video showed two operators firing portable missiles almost simultaneously to hit the target drone.
Large air defense missiles use radar guidance, which makes it challenging to detect stealth fighters with reduced radar cross-sections (RCS). In contrast, MANPADS typically track heat sources emitted by aircraft engines using infrared seekers. While stealth technology complicates radar detection, it does not completely block infrared detection.
MANPADS have a much shorter range than the HQ-16. Detecting stealth fighters from a distance using only portable surface-to-air missiles is difficult. However, if operators can anticipate the approach of a stealth fighter and position themselves along its expected path, interception is possible. The Chinese military has trained to estimate the direction and location of enemy aircraft using data from various radars, manual detection systems, electronic intelligence, sensors, and airborne early warning systems, allowing MANPADS units to wait in final defense zones.
Chinese military expert Song Zhongping stated in an interview with the state-run Global Times that this training demonstrates the potential to counter high-cost stealth targets using low-cost weapons.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported on July 29 that Iran signed a contract to purchase 300 to 400 Chinese-made MANPADS, with the deal valued between $60 million and $70 million. The portable surface-to-air missiles in question were identified as the QW-12 and FN-16. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied the claims as unfounded.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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