Two HQ-17AE Chinese-made short-range air defence systems, radar and missile launchers accompanying Iranian ballistic launchers, were destroyed in Iran, according to video evidence published by U.S. CENTCOM.
Global Defence Corp reported since February 2026 that China has been supplying Iran with HQ-9B, HQ-16, HQ-17AE surface-to-air missiles following heavy losses to Iran’s air-defence network during the 2025 conflict.
This is the first time there is undeniable proof that China has recently supplied surface-to-air missiles during the ceasefire period through Pakistan’s CPEC corridor. This video evidence also exposes Pakistan’s duplicity as a mediator in the Iran conflict.
Chinese-supplied HQ-17AE systems in Iran were destroyed during recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on 22 July 2026.
An expert at Global Defence Corp confirms, after analysing the video captured by America’s drone using infrared vision, that the radar system is indeed a Chinese-made HQ-17AE battery.
About HQ-17AE short-range missile
The HQ-17AE is the export version of China’s HQ-17, itself reverse-engineered from the Russian Tor-M1. It is designed to defend against drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft while maintaining high mobility.
The HQ-17 range includes multiple variants: tracked versions (HQ-17) and 6×6 wheeled versions (HQ-17A), both operated by the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force, as well as an export version called the FM-2000, revealed for the first time at the 2018 Airshow China defense exhibition.
It remains unclear whether the HQ-17AE is simply a new designation for the FM-2000 or a distinct variant featuring a launcher-radar vehicle more closely aligned with the HQ-17A. In any case, the difference between the HQ-17A and the FM-2000 mainly lies in the 6×6 chassis, although both systems use the same firing turret.
Each HQ-17AE vehicle can carry eight missiles and is capable of guiding four missiles in attacking two targets simultaneously.
In addition to Tajikistan, the HQ-17 series has been exported to countries including Serbia and Saudi Arabia
© 2026, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
