Serbia Becomes First European Nation to Operate and Activate Chinese-Made Air Defense System

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Serbia has become the first European nation to operate and activate a Chinese-made air defense system in the region, successfully integrating its FK-3 system (the export variant of the HQ-22) into the national air defense network.

The Serbian Ministry of Defense announced that the country’s airspace control and defense capabilities have been significantly enhanced with the integration of Chinese-made medium-range FK-3 air defense system.

The advanced FK-3 air defense system represents a significant capability upgrade for the Serbian Armed Forces’ air defense units.

A statement from the Serbian Ministry of Defense highlighted the high performance of the FK-3 medium-range air defense system, acquired from China.

“By equipping the Air Force and Air Defense with the new FK-3 missile defense system, control and protection of the Republic of Serbia’s airspace have been significantly strengthened,” the ministry said.

The system includes a command vehicle, missile launchers, radars, and logistics vehicles, offering a versatile and comprehensive solution for air defense.

Captain 1st Class Stefan Manić, commander of the FK-3 missile battery, described the system as a “milestone in air defense systems.”

“The FK-3 has an exceptional anti-jamming system and strong capabilities to intercept missiles designed to destroy tracking radars. Its key features include high maneuverability and spatial efficiency, making it dominant among next-generation missile systems,” Captain Manić explained.

Serbian air defense unit crews operating the FK-3 underwent intensive training in China. Captain Manić noted that the training process was “very complex” but emphasized the dedication and motivation of unit members.

“Despite the challenges, all unit members successfully completed all forms of training to independently maintain and operate the missile system,” he said.

Serbia placed an order for the FK-3 medium-range air defense system in 2019.

In 2020, U.S. officials warned Serbia against proceeding with plans to purchase the medium-range air defense system from China, stating that for Serbia to pursue membership in the European Union and other Western alliances, Belgrade must align its military equipment with Western standards.

The acquisition faced significant opposition from Serbia’s European neighbors and the United States, although procuring the HQ-22 was seen as a less politically contentious option compared to previous plans to acquire Russia’s S-300 or S-400 systems.

Delivery of the FK-3 system was completed in 2022 through a large-scale airlift operation using Chinese Y-20 transport aircraft, marking the largest shipment of Chinese weapons to Europe.

The FK-3 medium-range air defense system, an export variant of the HQ-22, was developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Ltd (CASIC).

It is a medium-to-long-range air defense system that uses semi-active radar homing and radio command guidance, with a missile operational range of up to 100 km.

However, this missile range is shorter than the HQ-22’s maximum range of 170 km.

A single FK-3 air defense battery consists of one radar carrier vehicle and three launcher vehicles, each equipped with four missiles.

Each battery can simultaneously engage up to six targets.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand, known for its strong military ties with China, also operates the Chinese-made FK-3 medium-range air defense system.

The FK-3 system is operated by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and was commissioned into service several years ago.

Bangkok has deployed the FK-3 system along its eastern coast to protect key military facilities, including the Sattahip Naval Base, U-Tapao Air Base, and the Laem Chabang deep-sea port.

The Chinese-developed FK-3 air defense system is frequently compared by defense analysts to the U.S.-made “Patriot” and Russia’s “S-300” air defense systems. — DSA