Global attention was on China’s victory parade held in August, where the country showcased its strength by displaying the most powerful weapons in its arsenal.
Among the displays, the HQ-29 Air Defense System stood out the most. It has become the talk of the town. Here’s why the HQ-29 has kept America on edge and how it is challenging U.S. supremacy in the skies.
HQ 29 Air Defence System
Known as a satellite killer, it can shoot down drones, fighter planes in the air as and enemy satellites in space. It is mainly used to stop air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs, cruise missiles, as well as fixed-wing fighter planes, helicopters and other air attack weapons. The largest of surface-to-air missile system ever deployed by the country. The size of the HQ-29 missile is quite large and long, and its transportation is a little difficult as only two missiles can be transported by a six-wheeled launcher vehicle. Each HQ-29 missile interceptor is about 7.5 meters long and 1.5 meters in diameter. It has also been exported to several countries, including Pakistan, Algeria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and reportedly Egypt.
S-500 Air Defence System
Russian air defence system S-500, in comparison to China’s HQ 29, is also a satellite killer weapon. The S-500 represents a significant leap in air defence technology, engineered specifically to intercept the most advanced threats, including hypersonic missiles travelling at over five times the speed of sound, stealth aircraft, and even satellites in low-earth orbit. This is a matter of concern for America because its supremacy in space is in danger.
America’s Golden Dome
America’s air defence system, Golden Dome, will take at least five more years to be active. It is a proposed multi-layered missile defence system announced by President Donald Trump. It is designed to intercept various aerial threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. The system would involve deploying a constellation of satellites in space equipped with sensors and interceptors, integrating with ground and sea-based systems to create a comprehensive defence shield for the United States.
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) showcased six advanced air defence systems in the parade: HQ-11, HQ-20, HQ-22A, HQ-9C, HQ-19, and HQ-29. Together, these systems can carry out long-range, medium-range, and short-range air defence missions, forming a strong shield for both air and space. Among them, the HQ-29 stands out as the most powerful, capable of intercepting enemy missiles even outside the atmosphere.