Confirming widespread speculation regarding its existence, the Chinese Army is expected to unveil its new HQ-29 hypersonic missile defense system during Victory Day, a major celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. In particular, the systems in question were spotted by various observers on the streets of Beijing, taking part in rehearsals for the parade traditionally held for the occasion.
Expanding on details, the published images show a launch system composed of two large missile containers measuring approximately 1.5 meters in diameter, which at first glance suggests a more powerful weapon than the air defense systems currently employed by the Asian Giant. Additionally, they can be seen mounted on a six-axle wheeled platform, bearing a striking resemblance to systems that had been detected in images taken a week earlier during rail transport—images that fueled rumors about the possible unveiling of the HQ-29.
Based on the first available analyses, this system is designed as the successor to the HQ-19 currently in service with the People’s Liberation Army, employing technologies that make it comparable to the U.S.-made THAAD system. Furthermore, it is inferred that the new HQ-29s will operate in complement with the HQ-9 interceptor family, as the latter provides effective defense against ballistic missiles in their terminal phase at low altitude. The HQ-29, on the other hand, would enable the interception of threats at higher altitudes, earning it the nickname “satellite hunter” from Chinese sources, who attribute to it a range of 500 kilometers.
Meanwhile, given the previously mentioned shape of the HQ-29’s launcher, Western analysts have begun to speculate about its similarities with Russian air defense systems. Specifically, they point to the two large launch containers, whose characteristics resemble those of the S-500 models operated by Moscow, opening the door to assumptions of a parallel development between two countries that share a close military relationship.
Finally, it is worth noting that as part of the same Victory Day parade rehearsals, China is also preparing to showcase its DF-26D anti-ship missile system, nicknamed the “Guam Killer.” According to local sources, this system has a range of 4,000 kilometers, and its projectiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, representing a significant leap in capability compared to the DF-21 systems currently forming the backbone of Beijing’s coastal defense.
*Image credits to their respective owners
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