HQ-17 (SA-15A)
Short-range air defense missile systemFielded 2014Pending verification
Also known as: Hongqi-17, Red Flag-17
Missile ForcesCHN
Missile length 8 m
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeShort-range air defense missile system
Alternative designationsHongqi-17, Red Flag-17
Date of introduction2014
ProliferationOrigin country only
Dimensions and weight
Flight performance
Speed65 km/h40 mph · 35 ktAutomated check: outside the expected range for this type; verify against the source.Low[1]
Protection
Payload and range
Launch systemThe HQ-17 missile operates using a mechanical cold-launch system. This system uses a mechanical catapult which is located inside the launch container and is powered by a pyrotechnic device.Med[1]
Missile nameThe HQ-17 TLAR (Transporter, Launcher and Radar) is equipped with the HQ-17 missile. Eight ready to launch missiles can be fitted per TLAR.Med[1]
Guidance systemThe missile operates on the automatic command to line-of-sight (ACLOS) radio command guidance principle. An inertial navigation system is used for part of the boost phase, with command guidance updates used for mid-course updates and the terminal guidance.Med[1]
Target engagement range1.5 km to 15 km and at altitudes from 10 m to 10 km, and is estimated to be capable of engaging crossing targets out to a maximum range of 8 km.Med[1]
Fire control
3D Phased Array RadarThe HQ-17 TLAR search radar is a 3D phased array radar with track while scan functionality, and is thought to operate in the S-band.Med[1]
IFF AntennaThe small antenna mounted directly above the search radar antenna is the TLAR's rectangular IFF antenna, which is used to interrogate potential targets with an IFF ping prior to…Med[1]
Fire Control RadarThe fire control radar is an either a phased array or AESA radar with electronic beam steering in azimuth and elevation, and thought to operate in the X-band.Med[1]
Cassegrain AntennaThe small bulbous antenna mounted to the top-left corner of the fire control radar is the autonomous columns for capture of the missile.Med[1]
Variants
FM-2000FM-2000 is an export version of the HQ-17A. It was first publicly revealed in 2018. It uses a Dongfeng high mobility chassis with 6x6 configuration.[1]
HQ-17AEThis is an export variant of the HQ-17A, which was publicly revealed for the first time in video footage from CCTV on 5 March 2021. In contrast to the earlier FM-2000, the HQ-17AE appears externally identical to the HQ-17A, and it is thought that this variant…[1]
The HQ-17 (SA-15A) Chinese Short-Range Air Defense Missile System is a multiplatform ‘system of systems', using a range of launchers, sensors, and supporting assets to operate.
Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
- HQ-17 (SA-15A) Chinese Short-Range Air Defense Missile System, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
- 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import