Home
Catalog
Defense Systems
HQ-20 Air Defense System

HQ-20 Air Defense System

Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
Category: Defense Systems
Add to Compare

Maximum Range 250–300 km
Maximum Altitude 30+ km
Radar Detection Range 300–450 km
Missile Speed Estimated Mach 5+

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	HQ-20
Manufacturer	China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp.
Country of Origin	China
Type / Role	Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
In Service	Limited / Development Phase
Year Introduced	2020s (Estimated)
Unit Cost	Estimated USD 1.5–2 Billion per Battery

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	250–300 km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	30+ km
Target Types	Aircraft, Ballistic Missiles, UAVs, Stealth Targets
Interception Probability	Not Disclosed
Reaction Time	8–12 seconds
Radar Detection Range	300–450 km

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	HQ-20 Interceptor Missile
Missile Length	Estimated 6–7 m
Missile Weight	Estimated 1,200–1,500 kg
Warhead Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation
Warhead Weight	Estimated 150–200 kg
Speed	Mach 5+ (Estimated)

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	AESA Long-Range Radar
Radar Name	Undisclosed (Likely Type 415 or Derivative)
Detection Range	300–450 km
Tracking Capacity	100+ Targets
Guidance System	Active Radar Homing + Command Guidance
Fire Control System	Integrated Digital Battle Management

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Mobile / Truck-Mounted
No. of Missiles per Launcher	4
Reload Time	30–45 minutes
Mobility Platform	10x10 Heavy Military Truck
Crew Required	3–5 personnel

6. Command & Control

C2 System	Integrated Air Defense Network
Connectivity	Secure Military Datalink
Network Capability	Yes
Operation Mode	Autonomous / Networked

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	China
Combat Proven	No
Conflict History	None
Notable Feature	Long-range strategic interception capability

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

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

PROS

Advanced long-range intercept capability
AESA radar with improved target tracking
Potential stealth-detection enhancements
Mobile, truck-mounted launcher
Multi-layer integration with national air defense network

CONS

Limited publicly confirmed performance data
Not combat-proven
Dependent on classified Chinese sensor infrastructure
Potential vulnerabilities to cyber and EW threats
Not available for international users

HQ-20 Long-Range Strategic Air Defense System

The HQ-20 represents China’s next generation of long-range air and missile defense technology, developed to counter advanced threats including stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles, and high-altitude surveillance platforms. Positioned as a strategic counterpart to the U.S. THAAD and Russian S-500, the HQ-20 aims to extend China’s layered air defense network with improved interception range and multi-domain targeting.

Development & Purpose

Manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the HQ-20 is engineered to fill capability gaps between the HQ-9B and future hypersonic interceptors. Designed for operations within China’s Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategy, the system enhances long-range precision engagement and boosts deterrence against fifth-generation aircraft and medium-range ballistic missiles.

Key Capabilities

The HQ-20 is believed to incorporate active radar homing, two-stage solid-fuel propulsion, and advanced datalink integration, enabling mid-course updates and improved terminal engagement accuracy. Estimates suggest a maximum engagement range of 250–300 km and interception altitudes surpassing 30 km. Its AESA-based radar suite provides wide-area surveillance, high-resolution target tracking, and resilience against jamming.

Technology & Operational Use

The system reportedly integrates with China’s dual-band early warning radars and space-based sensors, enabling precision tracking of stealth platforms and high-speed airborne threats. With a multi-launch truck-mounted configuration, the HQ-20 is optimized for rapid deployment and mobility across diverse terrain.

Though exact performance remains classified, defense analysts consider the HQ-20 a major step toward expanding China’s strategic air defense coverage and countering next-generation aerial threats.

HQ-20 Price in United State

The HQ-20 is not available for export and is currently exclusive to the Chinese military. As such, there is no official price for the United States, but defense analysts estimate that a complete battery—if hypothetically sold—could exceed USD 1.5–2 billion, depending on radar suites and missile loadout.

FAQs

What is the Chinese equivalent of the Patriot missile?

China’s closest equivalent to the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot system is the HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM). The HQ-9 provides comparable capabilities in targeting aircraft, cruise missiles, and some ballistic missile threats. Modern variants such as HQ-9B and HQ-9C offer improved range, radar performance, and enhanced anti-ballistic features.

What is the strongest air defense system in the world?

While rankings vary by mission profile, many defense analysts consider the Russian S-500 Prometey and the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) among the strongest current systems.
S-500: Designed for intercepting ballistic missiles, hypersonic threats, and high-altitude targets.
THAAD: Provides advanced exo-atmospheric interception against ballistic missiles with proven combat performance.
No single system is universally “strongest,” as effectiveness depends on threat environment, radar network, and integration with national defense architectures.

What is the best air defense system in China?

China’s most advanced known air defense system is the HQ-20, a next-generation long-range SAM intended to counter stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles, and high-speed aerial threats. It is considered superior to the HQ-9 family in terms of engagement range, radar capability, and overall strategic value. For layered defense roles, the HQ-9B and HQ-22 remain widely deployed across the PLA.

Does China have a missile defense system?

Yes. China maintains a multi-layered missile defense network that includes long-range SAMs such as HQ-20 and HQ-9, mid-range systems like the HQ-16, and point-defense systems such as the HQ-17 and LD-2000. China is also developing early-warning radars, anti-ballistic interceptors, and space-based surveillance assets, indicating a growing strategic missile defense capability.

Reviews

Be the first to add a Review

Please post a user review only if you have / had this product.
Your Name *
Your Email *
Review Title *
Review Text *
Rate this Product
Technology:

8
Performance:

8
Operational Flexibility:

8
Combat Effectiveness:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

Disclaimer Note

The information provided on TheDefenseWatch.com is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of our content regarding defense and aerospace products, technologies, and specifications, we cannot guarantee that all information is 100% accurate or up-to-date due to the evolving nature of military technology and classified data. TheDefenseWatch.com does not warrant the reliability, suitability, or availability of the information for any specific purpose. Users are advised to consult official sources, such as manufacturers, government publications, or defense agencies, for precise and verified data before making decisions based on our content. We are not affiliated with any defense manufacturers, governments, or military organizations mentioned. Opinions, reviews, and ratings reflect expert analysis but are subjective and should not be considered endorsements. TheDefenseWatch.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this website’s content. External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. TheDefenseWatch.com reserves the right to update or modify content without prior notice. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy.