HQ-17

China's SHORAD layer to protect manoeuvre forces — a Tor-M1-derived vertical-launch SAM system available in tracked and wheeled configurations, engaging low-flying aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and precision munitions out to 15 km.

Overview

The HQ-17 (Hongqi-17) family is the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force’s organic short-range surface-to-air missile system, filling the innermost tier of China’s layered ground-based air defences. Derived from Russia’s Tor-M1 (SA-15 Gauntlet) and indigenised by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), it pairs an autonomous search-and-track radar with cold-launched command-guided missiles on a single chassis, offering point and area protection for mechanised forces on the move. The system sits below the medium-range HQ-16 and long-range HQ-9 in the PLA’s integrated air defence network, as described in the US DoD’s annual China report.

🔒 The full HQ-17 file is for BattlePolicy Pro members. Below the line: development history, design and capabilities, variants, the combat record, advantages and limitations, comparable systems, outlook, the full specifications table, our sourcing, and the analyst assessment — procurement, suppliers and the BattlePolicy verdict. Unlock the full file with BattlePolicy Pro →