Image source: topwar.ru
The first launchers of the Chinese FK-3 anti-aircraft missile systems (the export designation of the Hongqi 22 air defense system) have already been deployed in the vicinity of the Serbian capital. This is reported by the Serbian press. However, it will be possible to fully equip the missile batteries only after the remaining components arrive in the country. This will happen in the fall of 2022.
Chinese SAMs were delivered to Serbia three months ago. They will enter service with anti-aircraft missile units of the Serbian armed forces. Already, Chinese missiles are included in the system of constant combat duty of the Serbian air defense forces. Together with the fighter aircraft of the Serbian Air Force, their task is to cover the Serbian sky from possible threats.
Belgrade, judging by the statements of the Serbian military department, ordered 4 missile batteries in China. Each battery consists of 3-6 launchers, radars, and a command vehicle. More detailed information about air defense systems is not disclosed.
According to the Serbian press, the Chinese FK-3 anti-aircraft missile system will work against targets at altitudes up to 27 kilometers. Military experts note the importance of pairing the Chinese medium-range air defense system with the Russian Pantsir-S air defense systems, which are also in service with the Serbian air defense.
The Serbian Ministry of Defense does not hide their satisfaction with the weapons received from China. Experts call the acquisition of the SAM the largest modernization of the country's air defense system since the 1980s.
The Serbian army has received weapons that dramatically increases the capabilities of the country's air defense units to repel enemy attacks. Also in China, training was conducted for officers who will directly command units and operate launchers and radars.
By the end of 2022, the Serbian army plans to finalize the batteries, integrate them into the missile division responsible for the security of Serbian airspace. It is possible that in the future the country will purchase additional batteries of Chinese air defense systems.
Serbian experts believe that the acquisition of air defense systems from China is a profitable solution in the current political situation. After all, if Serbia had tried to purchase the S-300 air defense system from Russia, the deal could have failed because of the sanctions imposed against Russia.
Thus, Serbia, according to the statements of the local press, is the only foreign user of the Chinese air defense system, which was developed specifically for the needs of the People's Liberation Army of China.
Recall that the Chinese Hongqi 22 air defense systems have a radius of up to 150-170 km and an altitude range of up to 27 km. The export version has a kill zone of 5-100 km with the same heights. Three SAM launchers can simultaneously fire 12 missiles at 6 targets.
