HQ-29 Missile Defense System

Full Specifications

HQ-29 Advanced Chinese Missile Defense System

The HQ-29 represents a significant leap in China’s missile defense architecture — a mobile, high‑altitude interceptor designed to neutralize ballistic missiles in mid‑course flight, and even target low‑Earth orbit satellites. Publicly unveiled during the 3 September 2025 Victory Day parade, HQ-29 has sparked global interest for bridging atmospheric air defense and space‑age threat interception.

Manufacturer, Origin & Purpose

Developed under the auspices of CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation), HQ-29 emerges from years of classified R&D aimed at building a comprehensive, multi-layered ballistic missile defense (BMD) shield. Its purpose: to intercept short‑, intermediate‑, or even intercontinental ballistic missiles during their mid-course exo‑atmospheric phase — and potentially to deny adversary satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Capabilities & Technology

HQ-29 is deployed via a six-axle transporter‑erector‑launcher (TEL), carrying two vertical canisters — each housing a solid-fueled, high-velocity interceptor missile. The missiles are estimated at roughly 7.5 m length with ~0.5 m diameter per launcher configuration.

Once launched, the interceptor uses a “hit-to-kill” kinetic kill vehicle. Its guidance combines inertial navigation, active radar homing, and infrared terminal seekers. For final-phase precision, the missile’s nose reportedly carries dozens of cold-gas micro-thrusters arranged hemispherically to permit fine, multi-axis trajectory adjustments.

Analysts estimate an operational range between 400–600 km, with probable engagement altitudes exceeding 150 km — sufficient to strike ballistic re‑entry vehicles in mid-course or satellites in low orbit.

Integrated into China’s broader Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) network, HQ-29 can receive early warning data from ground‑based radars and space sensors, allowing strategic deployment across vast territories.

Operational Use & Strategic Role

HQ-29 fills a critical mid‑tier in China’s layered BMD architecture — sitting above short‑range and terminal-defense systems (like HQ-9 variants) and below dedicated exo‑atmospheric interceptors or orbital weapons.

In regional or high-threat theaters, it can shield strategic infrastructure, military bases, or population centers against medium- to long-range ballistic missile attacks. In a broader strategic sense, its potential anti-satellite (ASAT) capability represents a deterrent against adversary space‑based reconnaissance and strike assets.