SOURCE: AFI
Recent satellite imagery has revealed the deployment of a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense system at the Karachi Cantonment by the Pakistan Army. The system, capable of engaging aerial targets at a range of up to 125 kilometers, represents a significant enhancement to Pakistan’s air defense capabilities.
The HQ-9, a high-to-medium altitude air defense system, was inducted into the Pakistan Army in 2021. Its deployment in Karachi, a major economic and strategic hub, underscores Pakistan’s efforts to bolster its air defense network in the face of perceived threats.
With a maximum operational range of approximately 125 kilometers, the HQ-9 can engage targets at significant distances, providing a substantial defensive umbrella over critical infrastructure and military assets. This range allows the system to detect, track, and neutralize threats long before they reach their intended targets, making it a crucial asset in modern air defense strategy.
The presence of this advanced air defense system in the region has implications for the regional security landscape. It is likely to influence the balance of power and force calculations in the region.