Anti-missile defense of the PRC … In the 21st century, China has become one of the leading economically developed countries. Simultaneously with the growth of the economy and the well-being of the population, the leadership of the PRC began to demonstrate increased ambitions and to exert a greater influence on the processes taking place in the world. Experts specializing in international relations note the increased presence of Chinese companies in third world countries, which has intensified competition for markets, unhindered access to transport corridors and sources of resources.
In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping, in order to promote trade and investment projects with the participation of as many countries as possible and using Chinese capital, launched the Belt and Road Initiative. To date, more than 120 states and dozens of international organizations have joined its implementation. The initiative unites two projects: "Silk Road Economic Belt" (involves the formation of a single trade and economic space and a transcontinental transport corridor) and "Sea Silk Road of the XXI century" (development of sea trade routes).
It is clear that the implementation of such ambitious projects runs counter to the US plans to dominate world politics and economics. Achievement of the set goals is possible only by strengthening the defense capability of the PRC. At present, the Chinese leadership is successfully implementing a program to modernize the armed forces, which should make it possible to successfully counter American military power.
The modernization program of the People's Liberation Army of China, while reducing the number of ground forces, provides for an increase in the role of high-tech combat arms. Currently, the PLA is saturated with modern combat aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles of various classes, guided weapons, communication systems and electronic warfare. In the PRC, attempts are being made to create armored vehicles that can compare with Russian and Western models. Already now, the Chinese air defense system, equipped with modern air defense systems, radars and combat control equipment of its own and Russian production, is considered one of the strongest in the world. The Chinese Navy, which annually receives the latest ocean-class ships, is growing at an unprecedented rate, and at the moment, with the support of coastal aviation, is able to challenge the US Navy in the Asia-Pacific zone.
Simultaneously with the growth of the qualitative characteristics of conventional weapons, observers note the strengthening of the strategic nuclear forces. In the PRC, new types of ICBMs, SLBMs, MRBMs, nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles and long-range bombers are being actively developed and put into service. The goal of improving the Chinese strategic nuclear forces is to create a nuclear missile potential capable of inflicting unacceptable losses on any potential adversary, which makes a nuclear attack on China impossible. Observers note that after gaining unrestricted access to uranium deposits in Africa and Central Asia, the PRC potentially has the opportunity to dramatically increase the number of warheads on strategic delivery vehicles, and in the near future to achieve nuclear parity with the United States and Russia.
The increase in the number of modern silo and mobile ICBMs equipped with several warheads with individual guidance and means of overcoming missile defense, as well as the deployment on combat patrols of a significant number of SSBNs with SLBMs capable of reaching the continental United States, may lead to the abandonment of the doctrine of "deferred nuclear retaliation" and the transition to a "retaliatory oncoming strike". Much has already been done in the PRC for this. The construction of the ground component of the missile attack warning system is nearing completion, with a network of over-the-horizon and over-the-horizon radars capable of timely detecting missile launches and attacking warheads. It should be expected that China will take measures to deploy a network of satellites in geostationary orbit designed for early fixing of ballistic missile launches and calculating flight trajectories. In the past decade, foreign media have been actively discussing the topic of testing Chinese anti-satellite and anti-missile weapons. A number of experts say that already now there is a possibility that systems capable of intercepting individual warheads and destroying spacecraft in low orbits are already on experimental combat duty in the PRC.
Anti-missile capabilities of anti-aircraft missile systems of the People's Liberation Army of China
The appearance in the PLA of the first anti-aircraft missile systems with anti-missile capabilities became possible thanks to Russian-Chinese military-technical cooperation. By the early 1990s, it became clear that China lagged far behind in the field of modern air defense and missile defense systems. At that time, the PRC did not have the scientific and technological base necessary for the independent design of long-range anti-aircraft missile systems, which could also be used to repel missile strikes.
After the normalization of relations between our countries, Beijing expressed interest in acquiring modern air defense systems. In 1993, the PRC received four S-300PMU anti-aircraft missile systems. This anti-aircraft system with towed launchers was an export modification of the S-300PS air defense system, which until recently was the main one in the air defense missile system of the RF Aerospace Forces. Unlike the American Patriot, the S-300PS anti-aircraft missile system was intended only to combat aerodynamic targets and was never considered as a means of anti-missile defense. For this, the USSR created and adopted the S-300V air defense system on a tracked chassis with a 9M82 heavy anti-missile missile, but the S-300V was not supplied to the PRC.
In 1994, another Russian-Chinese agreement was signed for the purchase of 8 divisions of the improved S-300PMU-1 (export version of the S-300PM) worth $ 400 million. 32 self-propelled launchers 5P85SE / DE were supplied to the four S-300PMU divisions already in the PLA and 196 48N6E missiles.
In 2003, China expressed its intention to acquire the improved S-300PMU-2 (export version of the S-300PM2 air defense system). The order included 64 self-propelled launchers and 256 anti-aircraft missiles. The first divisions were delivered to the customer in 2007. The improved anti-aircraft system is capable of simultaneously firing at 6 air targets at a distance of up to 200 km and an altitude of up to 27 km. With the adoption of the S-300PMU-2, the PLA's air defense units for the first time received limited capabilities to intercept operational-tactical ballistic missiles. With the help of the 48N6E missile defense system, it was possible to fight the OTR at a distance of up to 40 km.
The S-400 air defense missile system with the 48N6E2 air defense missile system has great capabilities to intercept ballistic targets. In 2019, the delivery of two regimental sets of S-400 air defense systems to China was completed. According to the reference data, which is freely available, in comparison with the 48N6E missile, the 48N6E2 missile, due to better dynamics and a new warhead, is more suitable for intercepting ballistic missiles. The S-400 air defense system includes a 91N6E radar capable of escorting and issuing target designation for a ballistic target with an RCS of 0.4 m² at a distance of 230 km. The long-range line for intercepting ballistic missiles is 70 km. A number of sources say that the S-400 system is capable of fighting not only with operational-tactical missiles, but also intercept warheads of intercontinental and medium-range ballistic missiles.
In the Russian media in January 2019, information was published that during the firing that took place in the PRC, an S-400 air defense missile system at a distance of 250 km hit a ballistic target flying at a speed of 3 km / s. In fact, Chinese sources, with reference to representatives of the PLA, said that they managed to intercept a missile launched from a distance of 250 km. But it was not said at what distance from the launcher.
Western observers note that the latest contract for the supply of S-400 air defense systems by Chinese standards is not impressive, and cannot be compared with the volume of purchases of S-300PMU / PMU-1 / PMU-2. The S-300PMU anti-aircraft systems available in the PRC, delivered more than 25 years ago, are gradually being replaced by their own HQ-9A air defense systems. So, in positions near Shanghai, where the S-300PMU missile defense system was stationed in the past, now the HQ-9A air defense missile system is on duty.
Most experts believe that when creating the HQ-9 air defense system, which was submitted for testing in the late 1990s, Chinese designers borrowed technical solutions previously implemented in the S-300P anti-aircraft systems. At the same time, the Chinese HQ-9 long-range air defense system is not a copy of the S-300P. American experts write about the similarity of the multifunctional Chinese radar HT-233 with the AN / MPQ-53 radar, which is part of the Patriot air defense system. In the first modification of the HQ-9 air defense system, command-guided missiles with radar sighting through the missile were used. Correction commands are transmitted to the missile board via a two-way radio channel by a radar for illumination and guidance. The same scheme was used in the 5V55R missiles delivered to the PRC together with the S-300PMU. Just like in the S-300P family of air defense systems, the HQ-9 uses a vertical launch without first turning the launcher towards the target. The Chinese and Russian systems are similar in composition and principle of operation. In addition to a multifunctional tracking and guidance radar, a mobile command post, the division includes a Type 120 low-altitude detector and a Type 305B search radar, created on the basis of the YLC-2 standby radar. The HQ-9 launcher is based on the Taian TA-5380 four-axle chassis and outwardly resembles the Russian 5P85SE / DE self-propelled guns.
At the moment, specialists from the China Academy of Defense Technology continue to improve the HQ-9 air defense system. It is stated that the upgraded HQ-9A system is capable of intercepting OTR at a distance of 30-40 km. In addition to the HQ-9A modification, the delivery of which to the troops began in 2003, it is known about the tests of the HQ-9B air defense system. When developing this modification, emphasis was placed on expanding anti-missile properties, with the ability to intercept ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500 km. The HQ-9V air defense missile system, transferred for testing in 2006, used missiles with combined guidance: radio command in the middle section and infrared in the final section of the trajectory. The HQ-9C model uses an extended-range missile defense system with an active radar homing head and thanks to the use of high-speed processors, the data processing speed and the issuance of guidance commands on modern modifications have increased several times compared to the first HQ-9 model. In the past, the PRC stated that during the range firing, the Chinese HQ-9C / B air defense systems demonstrated capabilities that are not inferior to the Russian S-300PMU-2 anti-aircraft missile system.
According to information published in the United States, obtained by means of radio and satellite reconnaissance, in 2018, 16 divisions of the HQ-9 and HQ-9A air defense systems were deployed in the PLA air defense.
The HQ-16A air defense missile system also has limited anti-missile capabilities. Western reference publications say that in the course of creating this mobile anti-aircraft missile system, the latest Russian developments in military medium-range air defense systems of the Buk family were used.
Externally, the anti-aircraft missile used in the HQ-16A repeats the 9M38M1 missile defense system, and also has a semi-active radar guidance system. But at the same time, the Chinese complex has a vertical missile launch, is placed on a wheeled chassis and is more suitable for carrying out long-term combat duty in a stationary position.
The battery of the HQ-16A air defense missile system includes 4 launchers and an illumination and missile guidance station. The direction of the actions of anti-aircraft batteries is carried out from the divisional command post, where information is received from the three-dimensional all-round radar. There are three fire batteries in the division. Each SPU has 6 ready-to-use anti-aircraft missiles. Thus, the total ammunition load of the anti-aircraft battalion is 72 missiles. As of 2018, the PLA had at least four HQ-16A divisions.
The complex is capable of firing at air targets at a distance of up to 70 km. The line of interception of operational-tactical missiles is 20 km. In 2018, information appeared about the tests of the HQ-16V air defense system with a maximum range of destruction of aerodynamic targets of 120 km and improved anti-missile capabilities.
Chinese mobile ballistic missile detection radars
At the Airshow China -2018 air show, held in Zhuhai, the Chinese company China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) presented several modern radar stations designed for the timely detection of ballistic missiles and the issuance of target designations to anti-missile systems. According to foreign experts, the most interesting radars are JY-27A, YLC-8B and JL-1A.
The JY-27A mobile three-coordinate VHF radar was created on the basis of the JY-27 two-coordinate standby radar. Like the earlier model, the JY-27A radar has good capabilities for detecting aircraft built using low-signature technology. At the same time, when creating a new radar, the developers paid special attention to the possibility of detecting ballistic targets. According to advertising data, the detection range of high-altitude aerodynamic targets reaches 500 km, ballistic targets above the horizon line - about 700 km. In the future, the JY-27A radar should work in conjunction with the HQ-29 air defense system.
The YLC-8B radar also has improved characteristics when working on ballistic targets. AFAR radar combines traditional mechanical scanning detection with 2D active phased array technology.
According to a CETC spokesman, the YLC-8B type station is capable of detecting almost any air targets: stealth aircraft, drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. It is claimed that the detection range of cruise missiles reaches 350 km, ballistic missiles can be detected at a range of more than 500 km.
According to American intelligence, one YLC-8B radar is currently deployed on Pintan Island, in Fujian province. This allows airspace to be controlled over most of Taiwan.
The appearance and characteristics of the JL-1A radar are not known. According to information published in Chinese sources, this centimeter-range station is designed to work as part of the HQ-19 anti-missile system. It is transported on three off-road trucks and is close in its capabilities to the AN / TPY-2 radar used in the American THAAD missile defense system.
Advanced anti-missile and anti-satellite systems developed by the PRC
At present, the PRC is developing anti-missile systems designed to intercept ballistic targets of all types: tactical, operational-tactical, small, medium and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It is known that work in this direction was started in the late 1980s under a program known as Project 863. In addition to interceptor missiles, capable of fighting warheads at near and far lines, the development of anti-satellite weapons, combat lasers, microwave and electromagnetic guns was envisaged. During the implementation of Project 863 in China, in addition to anti-missile systems, the Godson family of universal processors, Tianhe supercomputers and the Shenzhou manned spacecraft were created.
After the US withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2001, Beijing has sharply increased the pace of creating its own missile defense systems. In most cases, China does not voice plans and state of affairs regarding promising missile defense developments. Achievements in this area often become known from the reports of Western intelligence services monitoring Chinese landfills. In this regard, it is very difficult to judge how much the PRC has actually advanced in the creation of anti-missile and anti-satellite weapons. China is actively developing anti-missile and anti-satellite weapons, according to a report released in February 2019 by the US Defense Intelligence Agency. In addition to kinetic anti-missiles designed to destroy targets by direct collision, satellites with combat lasers are being developed that can burn out optoelectronic surveillance systems for spacecraft.
In foreign reviews concerning promising Chinese military developments, the HQ-29 air defense system is mentioned, which is considered an analogue of the American Patriot MIM-104F (PAC-3) air defense system with an ERINT anti-missile system designed to destroy a ballistic missile warhead in a direct collision. Work on the HQ-29 began in 2003, with the first successful test taking place in 2011. A number of Western experts believe that the HQ-29 is an HQ-9 anti-aircraft system with advanced anti-missile capabilities, designed to directly protect army units from tactical and operational-tactical missile attacks.
On the basis of the HQ-9, the HQ-19 anti-missile missile has also been developed, designed to combat operational-tactical and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as satellites in low orbits. In China, this system is called the analogue of THAAD. To defeat targets, it is proposed to use a kinetic tungsten warhead, designed for a direct hit. The course is corrected in the final section with the help of miniature disposable jet engines, of which there are more than a hundred on the warhead.
According to American data, the adoption of the HQ-19 into service may occur in 2021. After that, a missile defense system will appear in the PLA, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 3,000 km with a high probability.
According to Global Security, the HQ-19 interceptor missile with an additional solid-fuel stage is used as part of the HQ-26 air defense / missile defense system, which is functionally similar to the American RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) sea-based missile defense component. It is believed that the Chinese destroyers of the new generation Type 055 will be armed with the HQ-26 anti-missile system. Also, the HQ-26 can be deployed on land.
In addition to anti-missile systems designed to intercept ballistic missiles in the descending trajectory, the PRC is developing interceptors capable of fighting ICBM warheads at a considerable distance from Chinese territory and destroying spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.
On January 11, 2007, an anti-missile missile launched from a mobile launcher in Sichuan province, with a direct hit, destroyed an exhausted Chinese meteorological satellite FY-1C, located at a distance of 865 km from the Earth's surface. As a result of the collision of the satellite and the interceptor, more than 2,300 debris was formed that could potentially pose a threat to other satellites.
American experts believe that the SC-19 space interceptor is a modified HQ-19 interceptor missile. On January 11, 2010, during test firing, a short-range ballistic missile was intercepted using the SC-19.
On May 13, 2013, the Dong Neng-2 (DN-2) space interceptor was launched from the Xichang cosmodrome in Sichuan province. According to Global Security, a specially prepared DF-21 medium-range missile was used to launch it into orbit.
Although the experiment did not end with a collision with an object in space, Chinese officials declared it a success. American specialized publications write that during the tests of DN-2, the possibility of destroying satellites located in high geostationary orbits was being worked out.
In early November 2015, the US Department of Defense announced a test in China of the Dong Neng-3 (DN-3) transatmospheric interceptor missile. The missile was launched from a mobile launcher located near the early warning missile system radar in the city of Korla, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The next DN-3 tests took place in July 2017 and February 2018.
According to the American intelligence services, the new anti-missile is designed to intercept the warheads of ballistic missiles and combat satellites for military purposes, performing the tasks of early warning systems, reconnaissance and communications.
Richard Fisher, senior researcher at the American Center for International Assessment and Strategy, believes that DN-3 is capable of hitting satellites in orbits from 300 to 1000 km. When creating the DN-3 anti-missile, elements of the DF-31 solid-propellant ICBM were used. To carry out maneuvers in space, the interceptor is equipped with a liquid engine "Kuaizhou-1".
Part of the DN-3 interceptor, designed to destroy a target with a kinetic strike, was shown during the televised broadcast of Xi Jinping's visit to the research laboratory in 2011. Noteworthy is the fact that the Chinese developers of anti-missile weapons have abandoned the use of "special warheads" for intercepting, and are implementing a technologically more complex method of "kinetic strike". Apparently, this is due to the fact that the Chinese military leadership wants to avoid the blinding of early warning missile radars and failures in communication systems.
Chinese leaders have repeatedly criticized the testing and deployment of anti-missile weapons in other states in the past. However, this does not in any way interfere with their own tests. After the next test launch of the anti-missile, the official press organ of the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China, People's Daily, issued the following statement:
“China has successfully tested its ground-based anti-missile system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles on the march leg. The interceptor missile test is defensive in nature and is not directed against any country …"
Against the background of the active development of missile defense systems, the position of the Chinese leadership regarding the possibility of China's joining the process of reducing strategic nuclear weapons is very interesting. Despite the fact that the numerical and qualitative composition of the PRC's strategic nuclear forces has never been officially announced, Chinese high-ranking diplomats declare that they are ready to consider limiting their own nuclear weapons, but only when America and Russia reduce their arsenals to the Chinese level.
