Missile QW-1 (CH-SA-7)
Chinese portable surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1994, utilizing a digital seeker for guidance. Key figures: range 5 km, top speed 2,160 km/h, warhead 1 kg, guidance Digital seeker and contact-proximity fuse, in service since 1994. In service with 6 countries — Bangladesh, China, Iran and 3 others.
| Warhead | High Explosive |
| Warhead weight | 1 kg (2 lb) |
| Diameter | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Length | 1,447 mm (57.0 in) |
| Flight altitude | 4,000 m (13,123 ft) |
| Weight | 16 kg (35 lb) |
| Range | 5.0 km (3.1 mi) |
| Max. speed | 2,160 km/h (Mach 2.2) |
Description
The QW-1, designated by NATO as the CH-SA-7, was unveiled in 1994. It is a derivative of the Soviet 9K38 Igla-1 man-portable air-defense system.
The system utilizes infrared homing for target acquisition. The QW-1M is a modernized variant, while the QW-18 is an all-weather version that employs a dual-band passive infrared seeker to detect target plumes and skin heat. The QW-18A utilizes electric-servo control actuators to manage flight characteristics. The QW-19 upgrade incorporates a digital seeker and a contact-proximity fuse with four control fins.
The QW-1 and its derivatives are widely deployed and have been exported to several countries. Pakistan produces the system under the designation Anza-2, and Iran produces versions known as the Misagh-1 and Misagh-2. The missile is in service with the Bangladesh Army and the Indonesian Quick Reaction Forces Command. Non-state actors, including Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq, have operated the QW-1M. The series has been documented in conflict zones within Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of missile is the QW-1?
What is the range of the QW-1?
How fast is the QW-1?
What warhead does the QW-1 carry?
How is the QW-1 guided?
Which countries use the QW-1?
- AUG 132026 Updated NATO reporting name added
- APR 282026 Updated Weight updated
- JAN 242026 Updated Max speed added
- JAN 192026 Updated Manufacturer, description and 3 more fields added
- JAN 182026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed