Islamabad, August 24 — In a significant development in regional defensedynamics, Pakistan may be considering the future acquisition of China’sHQ-29 missile defense system, a cutting-edge technology designed to counterboth ballistic missiles and satellites.
The HQ-29 is part of Beijing’s advanced Ballistic Missile Defence System(BMDS) and is considered comparable to the U.S. Terminal High Altitude AreaDefense (THAAD). According to defense analysts, the system is capable ofintercepting Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) during theirmid-course phase, reaching altitudes of up to 500 kilometers in outerspace. This feature gives it not only missile interception capability butalso the ability to destroy satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Unlike earlier missile defense systems, the HQ-29’s Transporter ErectorLauncher (TEL) carries two interceptor missiles, allowing for enhancedengagement capacity. This makes the system suitable for countering multipleincoming threats simultaneously, providing a defensive shield againsthigh-speed ballistic projectiles.
Experts believe the system would be of particular interest to Pakistan asit faces India’s growing missile arsenal, including the Agni series ofmedium and long-range ballistic missiles. The induction of such acapability could significantly alter the strategic balance in South Asia byreducing the effectiveness of a potential first strike and strengtheningPakistan’s deterrence posture.
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China has been steadily developing layered missile defense systems such asthe HQ-19 and HQ-22, but the HQ-29 represents a more advanced leap,combining anti-ballistic and anti-satellite roles. If transferred toPakistan, it could not only provide protection against missile threats butalso grant the country a foothold in the emerging domain of space warfare.
While there has been no official confirmation from Islamabad or Beijing,defense observers say the discussions highlight the evolving militarycooperation between the two allies. Any future induction of the HQ-29 inPakistan’s defense inventory would mark a significant milestone,potentially reshaping the regional security architecture.