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HQ-19 Defense Missile System

HQ-19 Defense Missile System

Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. (CASC)
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range 1,000+ km (estimated)
Maximum Altitude Exo-atmospheric (classified estimate)
Radar Detection Range 1,500+ km (approx., depending on radar configuration)
Missile Speed Estimated Mach 6+

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	HQ-19 Missile Defense System
Manufacturer	China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp
Country of Origin	China
Type / Role	Long-Range Anti-Ballistic Missile System
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2010s (Estimated)
Unit Cost	Estimated USD 800M–1.2B per battery

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	1,000+ km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	Exo-atmospheric capability
Target Types	Ballistic Missiles, Space Threats
Interception Probability	Classified (estimated high against MRBM threats)
Reaction Time	8–20 seconds
Radar Detection Range	1,500+ km

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	HQ-19 Interceptor
Missile Length	Approx. 7–9 m
Missile Weight	Classified
Warhead Type	Kinetic Hit-to-Kill Vehicle
Warhead Weight	N/A (kinetic kill)
Speed	Mach 6+

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	AESA Phased-Array Radar
Radar Name	Unspecified (Strategic Early Warning Radar)
Detection Range	1,200–1,500+ km
Tracking Capacity	Dozens of ballistic targets simultaneously
Guidance System	Inertial + Radar Terminal Guidance
Fire Control System	Automated Digital Battle Management System

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Mobile, Truck-Mounted
No. of Missiles per Launcher	1–2 Interceptors
Reload Time	45–90 minutes
Mobility Platform	8×8 Heavy Transporter
Crew Required	3–5 Personnel

6. Command & Control

C2 System	Integrated Strategic C2 Network
Connectivity	Secure Digital Data Link
Network Capability	Yes
Operation Mode	Networked / Autonomous / Manual

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	China
Combat Proven	No confirmed combat history
Conflict History	Not publicly documented
Notable Feature	Upper-tier exo-atmospheric interception

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Technology 7 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10

PROS

Long-range, high-altitude ballistic missile interception
AESA radar integration for extended detection
Hit-to-kill technology for kinetic interception
Networked command-and-control compatibility
Enhances upper-tier missile defense capability

CONS

Limited transparency regarding real-world performance
No confirmed combat record
High cost of deployment and maintenance
Dependent on complex radar infrastructure
Not optimized for low-altitude cruise missile threats

HQ-19 Strategic Missile Defense System

The HQ-19 is one of China’s most advanced long-range missile defense systems, designed to counter ballistic missile threats and enhance strategic air-and-missile defense coverage. Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the HQ-19 fills the upper-tier intercept role, functioning similarly in mission concept to systems like the U.S. THAAD. It represents China’s expanding investment in layered ballistic missile defense aimed at protecting high-value military and civilian infrastructure.

Design & Capabilities

Built for intercepting medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, the HQ-19 relies on a combination of long-range tracking radars, hit-to-kill interceptors, and high-altitude engagement profiles. Although full performance data remains classified, open-source assessments indicate coverage extending hundreds of kilometers and engagement envelopes capable of exo-atmospheric interception.

Radar & Technology

At the heart of the HQ-19 system is a powerful AESA-based early warning and tracking radar network designed to detect incoming threats at long distances. The missile uses a high-velocity interceptor with a kinetic-kill vehicle, enabling it to neutralize ballistic threats in midcourse flight. The system integrates with China’s broader air-defense grid, improving situational awareness and multi-layer coverage.

Operational Use

The HQ-19 is deployed by the PLA Rocket Force and Air Force for strategic-level defense. Its mission focuses on countering ballistic missile attacks in regional scenarios, particularly in Western Pacific theaters. While combat use has not been publicly confirmed, its presence contributes significantly to China’s missile defense posture.

HQ-19 Defense Missile System Price in United State

While the HQ-19 is not exported to the United States, equivalent U.S. systems like THAAD range between USD 800 million to 1.5 billion per battery, offering context for estimated cost comparisons.

Reviews

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