After procuring nine HQ-16-based LY-80 medium-range (MR) surface-to-air missile systems (SAM) from China, Pakistan is now reportedly interested in the FD-2000 missiles.
Pakistan Army has received a consignment of LY-80 systems, which were formally inducted in March 2017, and is now considering the feasibility of acquiring three to four FD-2000 long-range SAM from China.
If the deal is completed, the missile system will fulfill the requirements of the Pakistan Army’s arsenal as this will be the country’s first long-range SAM system with over 100 km range.
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About FD-2000 Missile System
The FD-2000 is the export variant of China’s HQ-9 and has a maximum engagement range of 125 km. The missile system is the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) primary long-range option, both on land and sea.
With a maximum speed of Mach 4.2, FD-2000 is equipped with a semi-active radar-homing (SARH) seeker and has a reaction time of 15 seconds. The missile system can engage its target at an altitude of 27 km.
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Pakistan’s Air Defense Coverage
Pakistan is also aiming to improve its very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) capabilities, as it has recently procured 200 QW-18-man portable air defense (MANPAD) launchers from China. Inside sources say that the country will now indigenously manufacture QW-18.
Via: Bulgarian Military
