HQ-16

HQ-16 / LY-80
HQ-16A ground launcher
TypeSurface-to-air missile
Place of originPeople's Republic of China
Service history
In service2008–present
Used byPrimary user: China
See Operators section for others
Production history
ManufacturerShanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST)
Specifications
Detonation
mechanism
impact / proximity
Enginerocket motor
Propellantsolid fuel
Operational
range
40 kilometres (25 mi) (HQ-16/HQ-16A) (slant)
70 kilometres (43 mi) (HQ-16B)
160 kilometres (99 mi) (HQ-16FE)
Flight altitude15m to 27km (HQ-16FE)
Guidance
system
Semi-active radar homing
Launch
platform
Transporter erector launcher Ship

The HQ-16 (simplified Chinese: 红旗-16; traditional Chinese: 紅旗-16; pinyin: Hóng Qí-16; lit. 'Red Banner-16'; NATO reporting name: CH-SA-16) is a Chinese medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). 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.

The HQ-16 is effective in intercepting tactical ballistic 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. HQ-16s were integrated into a networked air defense system and deployed during the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict.

Variants

Naval HHQ-16 vertical launchers onboard Type 054A frigate.
HQ-16 missile (left) on display at the PLA Naval Museum in Qingdao.
HQ-16A
Original land-based variant with a range of 40 kilometres (25 mi).
HHQ-16
Naval variant, reportedly a domestic-produced variant of the 9M317ME missile.
HQ-16B
Improved variant with slant range exceeding 70 kilometres (43 mi).
HQ-16C
Improved variant with slant range exceeding 70 kilometres (43 mi).
HHQ-16C
Improved extended-range naval variant.
LY-80
Export variant.
LY-80N
Export naval variant.
HQ-16FE
Improved variant with range up to 160 kilometres (99 mi).

Operators

 China
 Pakistan

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 United States Department of the Army 2021, p. C-3.
  2. 1 2 Chan, Minnie (15 November 2022). "China showcases latest missile defence systems at Zhuhai air show". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  3. ↑ "China unveils modern air defence system". Al Jundi Journal. Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates. 1 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 Schwartz 2015, p. 28.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Fisher, Richard D. Jr.; Gibson, Neil (7 September 2016). "China develops longer-range HQ-16 SAM variant". janes.com. Archived from the original on 10 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  6. ↑ The International Institute for Strategic Studies (15 February 2023). "6 Asia". The Military Balance 2023. London: Routledge.
  7. ↑ "LY Series". Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.
  8. ↑ Mezey, Jacob (10 September 2024). "Russian and Chinese strategic missile defense: Doctrine, capabilities, and development". Atlantic Council.
  9. ↑ Dominguez, Gabriel (15 January 2018). "PLAN inducts Type 054A frigate into North Sea Fleet". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 16 January 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  10. 1 2 3 Cazalet, Mark; Dominguez, Gabriel (1 March 2021). "Air-defence brigade under PLAGF's 78th Group Army receives HQ-16 SAM systems". Janes. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  11. ↑ Einhorn & Sidhu 2017, p. 54.
  12. ↑ "Army inducts Chinese-built air defence system to its arsenal". Dawn.com. 12 March 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  13. ↑ Haider, Muhammad Waqas (8 June 2026). "Airpower Under the Nuclear Shadow: Lessons from Operation Sindoor for Limited War Doctrine". Small Wars Journal by Arizona State University. Retrieved 6 September 2026.
  14. ↑ Tada, Tomohiko (January 2015), "Shipboard Weapons of the World", Ships of the World (811), Kaijin-sha: 61, NAID 40020297435
  15. ↑ Barnes, Joe (3 September 2025). "Six weapons China really wants you to see". The Telegraph.
  16. 1 2 3 4 The International Institute for Strategic Studies 2022, p. 298.
  17. ↑ The Military Balance 2024. International Institute for Strategic Studies. 13 February 2024. p. 256. ISBN 978-1032780047.
  18. ↑ The Military Balance 2024. International Institute for Strategic Studies. 13 February 2024. p. 257. ISBN 978-1032780047.
  19. ↑ Gupta, Shishir (26 Jan 2026). "Pakistan bolsters defence infra with purchases from China, Turkiye". Hindustan Times.

Sources