China Dominates Central Asia’s Arms Market as Tajikistan Showcases Newly-Acquired HQ-17AE Air Defense System

In a move that underscores shifting regional defense dynamics, Tajikistan—one of Beijing’s latest defense clients—has publicly unveiled its newly acquired HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for the first time.

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By admin Last updated Mar 12, 2025

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – China‘s position as a dominant force in Central Asia’s arms market, once the exclusive domain of Russia, has now been solidified.

In a move that underscores shifting regional defense dynamics, Tajikistan—one of Beijing’s latest defense clients—has publicly unveiled its newly acquired HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for the first time.

The Chinese-manufactured air defense platform made its debut during a military parade on February 23, 2025, commemorating the 32nd anniversary of Tajikistan’s Armed Forces.

The event featured an array of military hardware, including four combat vehicles and two transporter-loader vehicles, illustrating Tajikistan’s concerted efforts to modernize its air defense systems while simultaneously signaling deepening military collaboration with Beijing.

This public showcase has not gone unnoticed, attracting the attention of international defense analysts.

It signifies a critical enhancement of Tajikistan’s military capabilities and highlights China’s growing strategic influence in the region.

While the precise timeline of the acquisition remains unclear, intelligence suggests that China supplied the system in late 2024.

The unveiling also prompts broader strategic questions about Tajikistan’s defense posture and China’s increasing foothold in Central Asia. Historically overshadowed by global power struggles, the region is now emerging as an arena of strategic importance.

Defense analysts have observed that Tajikistan has been gradually upgrading its military assets in recent years, but the procurement of the HQ-17AE represents a particularly significant leap forward—especially given its Chinese origins.

“This is a clear indication of an increasingly robust defense partnership with China,” commented a military observer on social media, a view echoed widely among defense analysts.

Despite the public display, the transaction remains shrouded in secrecy.

While the March 11 parade confirmed the HQ-17AE’s integration into Tajikistan’s arsenal, neither Dushanbe nor Beijing has issued an official statement detailing the timing or the specifics of the agreement.

Meanwhile, on February 21, another Central Asian nation, Uzbekistan, also exhibited newly acquired Chinese-made air defense systems, further cementing Beijing’s rising influence in the region’s military affairs.

During a visit to the Defense Industry Agency’s Innovative Technology Center, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inspected a range of defense systems, including Chinese-manufactured air defense platforms, displayed alongside Uzbekistan’s domestically produced military equipment.

Little is known about how and when these Chinese air defense systems were delivered to Uzbekistan, but their presence confirms that the country has integrated them into its military infrastructure.

Among the showcased systems were the FM-90 short-range air defense system and the KS-1C medium-range air defense system—both supplied by China.

Uzbekistan’s procurement of Chinese air defense systems mirrors a trend already observed in neighboring Turkmenistan, which operates a layered air defense network featuring the FD-2000, FM-90, and KS-1C.

Recent images suggest Uzbekistan is further strengthening its defense ties with China, signaling a strategic realignment in its military acquisition policies.

This shift highlights Uzbekistan’s intent to diversify its defense procurement strategy. Historically dependent on Soviet and later Russian military hardware, the nation has in recent years broadened its defense cooperation with China.

Recent intelligence and imagery indicate that these Chinese-manufactured air defense systems—designed to intercept aerial threats, including enemy aircraft and missiles at short to medium ranges—are now actively operational within Uzbekistan’s armed forces.

The HQ-17AE, as acquired by Tajikistan, is a cutting-edge short-range surface-to-air missile system engineered by China to provide critical air defense capabilities.

It is specifically designed to neutralize aerial threats such as fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and guided bombs.

Key Features of the HQ-17AE System:

Engagement Range: Capable of intercepting aerial threats at distances of up to 15 kilometers.
Operational Altitude: Effective against low- to mid-altitude threats, with a maximum operational ceiling of 10 kilometers.
High Mobility: Mounted on an armored wheeled or tracked vehicle, allowing for rapid repositioning in combat zones.
Advanced Radar Integration: Features an automated target detection and tracking system, enabling swift engagement of multiple airborne threats.
Rapid Response Capability: Designed for near-instantaneous detection, identification, tracking, and interception of hostile targets.

The HQ-17AE is the export variant of the HQ-17, itself derived from Russia’s Tor-M1 system, though significantly modified and enhanced by Chinese engineers.

It has gained global recognition for its cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and formidable air defense capabilities—making it an increasingly attractive option for nations seeking to modernize their aerial defense infrastructure.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA

China Dominates Central Asia’s Arms Market as Tajikistan Showcases Newly-Acquired HQ-17AE Air Defense System

In a move that underscores shifting regional defense dynamics, Tajikistan—one of Beijing’s latest defense clients—has publicly unveiled its newly acquired HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for the first time.

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – China‘s position as a dominant force in Central Asia’s arms market, once the exclusive domain of Russia, has now been solidified.

In a move that underscores shifting regional defense dynamics, Tajikistan—one of Beijing’s latest defense clients—has publicly unveiled its newly acquired HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for the first time.

The Chinese-manufactured air defense platform made its debut during a military parade on February 23, 2025, commemorating the 32nd anniversary of Tajikistan’s Armed Forces.

The event featured an array of military hardware, including four combat vehicles and two transporter-loader vehicles, illustrating Tajikistan’s concerted efforts to modernize its air defense systems while simultaneously signaling deepening military collaboration with Beijing.

This public showcase has not gone unnoticed, attracting the attention of international defense analysts.

It signifies a critical enhancement of Tajikistan’s military capabilities and highlights China’s growing strategic influence in the region.

While the precise timeline of the acquisition remains unclear, intelligence suggests that China supplied the system in late 2024.

The unveiling also prompts broader strategic questions about Tajikistan’s defense posture and China’s increasing foothold in Central Asia. Historically overshadowed by global power struggles, the region is now emerging as an arena of strategic importance.

Defense analysts have observed that Tajikistan has been gradually upgrading its military assets in recent years, but the procurement of the HQ-17AE represents a particularly significant leap forward—especially given its Chinese origins.

“This is a clear indication of an increasingly robust defense partnership with China,” commented a military observer on social media, a view echoed widely among defense analysts.

Despite the public display, the transaction remains shrouded in secrecy.

While the March 11 parade confirmed the HQ-17AE’s integration into Tajikistan’s arsenal, neither Dushanbe nor Beijing has issued an official statement detailing the timing or the specifics of the agreement.

Meanwhile, on February 21, another Central Asian nation, Uzbekistan, also exhibited newly acquired Chinese-made air defense systems, further cementing Beijing’s rising influence in the region’s military affairs.

During a visit to the Defense Industry Agency’s Innovative Technology Center, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inspected a range of defense systems, including Chinese-manufactured air defense platforms, displayed alongside Uzbekistan’s domestically produced military equipment.

Little is known about how and when these Chinese air defense systems were delivered to Uzbekistan, but their presence confirms that the country has integrated them into its military infrastructure.

Among the showcased systems were the FM-90 short-range air defense system and the KS-1C medium-range air defense system—both supplied by China.

Uzbekistan’s procurement of Chinese air defense systems mirrors a trend already observed in neighboring Turkmenistan, which operates a layered air defense network featuring the FD-2000, FM-90, and KS-1C.

Recent images suggest Uzbekistan is further strengthening its defense ties with China, signaling a strategic realignment in its military acquisition policies.

This shift highlights Uzbekistan’s intent to diversify its defense procurement strategy. Historically dependent on Soviet and later Russian military hardware, the nation has in recent years broadened its defense cooperation with China.

Recent intelligence and imagery indicate that these Chinese-manufactured air defense systems—designed to intercept aerial threats, including enemy aircraft and missiles at short to medium ranges—are now actively operational within Uzbekistan’s armed forces.

The HQ-17AE, as acquired by Tajikistan, is a cutting-edge short-range surface-to-air missile system engineered by China to provide critical air defense capabilities.

It is specifically designed to neutralize aerial threats such as fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and guided bombs.

Key Features of the HQ-17AE System:

Engagement Range: Capable of intercepting aerial threats at distances of up to 15 kilometers.

Operational Altitude: Effective against low- to mid-altitude threats, with a maximum operational ceiling of 10 kilometers.

High Mobility: Mounted on an armored wheeled or tracked vehicle, allowing for rapid repositioning in combat zones.

Advanced Radar Integration: Features an automated target detection and tracking system, enabling swift engagement of multiple airborne threats.

Rapid Response Capability: Designed for near-instantaneous detection, identification, tracking, and interception of hostile targets.

The HQ-17AE is the export variant of the HQ-17, itself derived from Russia’s Tor-M1 system, though significantly modified and enhanced by Chinese engineers.

It has gained global recognition for its cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and formidable air defense capabilities—making it an increasingly attractive option for nations seeking to modernize their aerial defense infrastructure.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA