Having successfully procured nine HQ-16-based LY-80 medium-range (MR) surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems from China, Pakistan is now reportedly setting its focus on the FD-2000.
Quoting a Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) official, the Russian News Agency TASS reports that Pakistan is now studying the feasibility of procuring three or four FD-2000 long-range SAM systems to fulfill its long-range air defence requirements.
With a maximum engagement range of 125 km, the FD-2000 is an export variant of the HQ-9, which is the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) primary long-range SAM systems on land and at sea.
Reportedly, the FD-2000 has a maximum speed of Mach 4.2, a semi-active radar-homing (SARH) seeker and reaction time of 15 seconds. Its maximum engagement altitude is 27 km (i.e., 88,500+ ft).
Of the nine LY-80 systems on order, the Pakistan Army has reportedly taken delivery of them thus far. The LY-80 was formally inducted in March 2017 and, according to TASS, the delivered systems are operational.
Besides extending its air defence coverage, Pakistan is also reportedly improving its very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) capabilities. Citing a Pakistan Ministry of Defence official, TASS reports that Pakistan inducted 200 QW-18-man portable air defence (MANPAD) launchers from China and, in turn, is planning to manufacture the QW-18 domestically under license.
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