Missile HQ-7 (CH-SA-4)

The HQ-7, designated CH-SA-4 by NATO, is a short-range surface-to-air missile system. It was reverse-engineered from the French R-440 Crotale and entered service in the early 1980s.

The missile is powered by a solid fuel rocket engine. Guidance is provided through command-guidance or infrared homing, depending on the variant. A standard ground-based battery consists of a short-range radar and three transporter erector launchers. Each launcher is equipped with either four or eight missiles. The system is produced in several configurations, including the original HQ-7A and the improved HQ-7B. Naval variants are designated as HHQ-7. Export versions are designated as the FM-80 and the FM-90, with the FM-90N serving as a naval export variant.

The HQ-7 is widely deployed by the People's Republic of China across its ground forces and naval fleet. The system has been exported to multiple countries. Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan operate the FM-90 variant. Iran operates the FM-80 and produces a mobile version designated the Herz-9, which is based on the Ya Zahra, an unlicensed copy of the system.