Chinese Shield for Baku: Azerbaijan Armed Itself with HQ-9B Air Defense Systems

During a rehearsal for a military parade in Baku, the military demonstrated the Chinese FD-2000B (HQ-9B) air defense system for the first time.

The event attracted the attention of military analysts because such a system had not been previously mentioned among Azerbaijan’s weapons.

The Russian Tor-M2E short-range anti-aircraft missile system was also spotted among the equipment that took part in the preparations for the parade, according to the military analyst Mariner.

Previously, Baku did not report the purchase of this system, which indicates a possible expansion of military-technical cooperation with China.

Back in 2018, there were reports of Azerbaijan’s interest in purchasing the FD-2000B against the backdrop of a similar purchase by Pakistan. At the time, the system was seen as an alternative to the Russian S-300 system, which was already in service with the Azerbaijani military.

It is now known that Azerbaijan’s air defense is represented by several types of systems: the Russian Tor-M2E and S-300, as well as the Israeli Barak MX (Barak-8). The addition of the Chinese system can significantly increase the flexibility and multi-level air defense of the country.

The published videos of the rehearsal show the characteristic form of the FD-2000B launcher, mounted on a four-axle tractor. The design and layout coincide with the known export modifications of the HQ-9B.

The FD-2000B is an export version of the Chinese long-range air defense missile system HQ-9B. The system is manufactured by the Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, one of the leading players in China’s defense industry.

The HQ-9B is based on the Soviet technology of the S-300 system, but over the years of modernization, it has received its own electronic base and improved guidance algorithms.

The system is designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles. The declared range is up to 200 kilometers, and the maximum interception altitude is 27 kilometers.

The radar of the system is likely a modification of the HT-233 model and uses the Active Phased Array (AESA) technology. This approach ensures high accuracy and the ability to detect even subtle targets.

Previously it was reported that Egypt is also purchasing Chinese HQ-9B systems. Thus, the FD-2000B is gradually becoming one of the most common Chinese long-range air defense systems on the world market.