The Cambodian Armed Forces purchased the Chinese-made medium-range KS-1C (FK-3) air defence missile system to boost national defence, especially against aerial threats such as Thai F-16 and Gripen aircraft, aiming to upgrade and shift regional military dynamics.
However, the Cambodian Armed Forces were shocked to realise that this Chinese-made system has zero per cent efficacy and effectiveness against the Royal Thai Air Force’s Gripen and F-16 Fighting Falcon, and KS-1C (FK-3) proved a dud amid border tensions with Thailand.
According to the Cambodian Armed Forces, Cambodia fired many interceptor missiles against Gripen and F-16 aircraft, with no results. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence is seeking answers from the Chinese Communist Party and the manufacturer on why the $30 million surface-to-air missile failed to intercept any aircraft or missiles.
Developed by CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation), the KS-1C, or FK-3, is a 70km slant-range missile system based on an export version of China’s HQ-12 system. It’s designed to intercept aircraft, drones, and missiles, featuring a truck-mounted phased-array radar and canister-launched missiles.
A Chinese-developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, part of the “Kaishan” series, is an improved export model of the HQ-12.
Cambodia received the first systems in late 2023 and has since deployed them, particularly near its border with Thailand, increasing regional military awareness.
Represents a major enhancement to Cambodia’s air defence, leading to heightened attention from neighbouring countries such as Thailand, as highlighted by recent border tensions.
Common issues with Chinese radar and seeker
The Chinese phased-array radars used in the HQ-16, FK-3, and HQ-9 series originated in the Soviet Union.
The specific radar in question here, the H-200 phased-array radar, is incapable of tracking high-altitude radar targets at supersonic speeds and cannot discriminate targets or provide a data link for the interceptor missile. The semi-active interceptor missile is also incapable of homing onto the target at the terminal phase of the interception.
No matter how many interceptors Cambodia fires, it will not be effective in actual combat. To have something as an air defence system and something cheaper is not the right national security strategy. IRIS-T proved 100 per cent efficacy in the Ukraine war, but cost $100 million apiece, whereas KS-1C (FK-3) cost $30 million apiece but had zero per cent efficacy. A buyer needs to ask which missile defence system is right: a cheap and nasty one or an expensive and great one.
The deployment has coincided with escalating border issues with Thailand, with reports of the KS-1C being activated to deter potential Thai air force missions, but with a disastrous result.
After a series of failures by the Chinese arms, Cambodia’s defence budget is projected to significantly increase, with reports indicating a proposed $10.2 billion allocation for 2026, a substantial jump from figures around $720 million in 2024, though Reuters suggest around $1.3 billion for 2024, highlighting a potential massive boost in military investment for modernisation and strengthening.
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