Missile HQ-22 (CH-SA-20)

The HQ-22 (NATO reporting name CH-SA-20) is a medium- to long-range air defense system developed as a second-generation successor to the HQ-12 and a replacement for the HQ-2. The system was publicly revealed in 2016 and entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force by 2019.

Unlike the preceding HQ-12, the HQ-22 missile uses a wingless airframe design. Primary guidance is provided by semi-active radar homing, with the capability to switch to radio command guidance in environments with strong electronic interference. An HQ-22 unit consists of four to eight transporter erector launchers, with each vehicle carrying four missiles. The radar vehicle permits the simultaneous engagement of six targets. System variants include the domestic HQ-22, the HQ-22A, and the FK-3 export version.

The system is operated by China, Serbia, and Thailand. In April 2021, Chinese HQ-22 deployments were reported near eastern Ladakh. Serbia purchased the FK-3 variant in 2019, taking delivery via Xi'an Y-20 transport aircraft and bringing the system into service in April 2022 as the first Chinese medium- or long-range air defense system exported to Europe. Thailand operates the FK-3 variant within its Air and Coastal Defense Command.