BAKU NOV 06 2025 – In a major global defence development, Azerbaijan has officially procured China’s HQ-9B long-range air defence system, marking a new milestone in Beijing’s expanding influence across international weapons markets.
According to Military Magazine https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/chinese-hq9b-air-defence-markets-storm, the Azerbaijan Air Force has begun fielding the HQ-9B, with launchers spotted during a recent military parade rehearsal in Baku. Despite Azerbaijan’s close alignment with Western countries, Israel, and Türkiye, the move reflects a growing willingness to diversify its defence partnerships with China emerging as a key supplier.
China’s highly capable HQ-9B long range air defence system continues to make sweeping gains across global defence markets, with Azerbaijan becoming the latest confirmed operator. A launcher from the system was recently showcased during a military parade rehearsal in Baku, confirming that the Azerbaijan Air Force has begun operational deployment.
Despite Azerbaijan’s traditional geopolitical closeness to Western allies, Israel, and Türkiye, the nation has increasingly turned to Beijing for high end military technology. The acquisition of the HQ-9B follows Baku’s recent procurement of JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, to replace its ageing Soviet-era MiG-29s.
According to Military Magazine, the HQ-9B will serve as a modern replacement for the Russian S-300PMU-2 systems procured in the 2000s and will complement Azerbaijan’s Israeli Barak-8 and Russian Tor-M2 short range systems. Reports suggest that before settling on the Chinese platform, Azerbaijan evaluated both Israel’s David’s Sling and Russia’s S-400, ultimately choosing the HQ-9B for its performance, cost effectiveness, and advanced radar integration.
A Growing Global Footprint
The HQ-9B has quickly evolved into one of the world’s most sought-after long range air defence systems, rivaling even the Russian S-400 and the American Patriot MIM-104. Analysts widely regard it as superior to the S-300PMU-2 and highly competitive with the latest Russian and Western systems.
China’s export success with the HQ-9B began to accelerate after it was confirmed in 2021 that Pakistan had begun receiving the system, marking Islamabad’s first induction of a long range surface to air missile network. This followed earlier acquisitions of the HQ-16 medium range system, giving Pakistan layered air defence capabilities for the first time.
In North Africa, Algeria was among the earliest adopters of the HQ-9B, supplementing its existing S-300 and S-400 systems to form one of the most capable air defence networks in Africa and the Islamic world. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that Morocco acquired the HQ-9B around the same time, further demonstrating Beijing’s reach across traditional Russian defence markets.
Central Asia and the Middle East Embrace Chinese Systems
By the mid-2020s, the HQ-9B had been delivered to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, both replacing older Soviet era systems. The interoperability of Chinese and Russian origin platforms made the HQ-9B a logical transition choice, reducing training and integration challenges while offering cutting-edge technology.
In April 2025, Egyptian defence sources confirmed that Cairo had acquired the HQ-9B to bolster its previously limited air defence network. Egypt’s pivot toward Chinese systems coincided with strained relations with Western powers and growing strategic friction with Israel and Türkiye, compelling Cairo to diversify its defence suppliers.
Meanwhile, reports from July 2025 indicated that Iran had also received a consignment of Chinese long-range air defence systems most likely the HQ-9B. This followed Israeli air strikes in June that had severely damaged several of Iran’s indigenous Bavar-373 systems. The HQ-9B deliveries are believed to complement Iran’s newly acquired Su-35 fighters, providing integrated multi-layered defence coverage similar to Pakistan’s JF-17 and HQ-9B pairing.
Strategic Implications
The HQ-9B has a 250 kilometre engagement range, providing coverage of nearly 200,000 square kilometres per system. Its 360 degree radar, cold launch system, and multi-layered missile configuration enable simultaneous engagements against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and stealth aircraft. The system has also been rigorously tested under simulated electromagnetic and missile saturation attacks, proving its robustness under modern combat conditions.
China unveiled the HQ-9C, the system’s successor, in September 2025, featuring enhanced radar tracking and anti-stealth capabilities. Experts believe that existing HQ-9B clients, including Pakistan, Algeria, and Azerbaijan, may soon receive upgrade packages incorporating technologies from the HQ-9C platform.
China’s Rise, Russia’s Decline
For decades, Russia dominated the global air defence market, particularly with its S-series systems. However, Beijing’s rapid innovation, competitive pricing, and flexible export policies have allowed the HQ-9B to undercut Russian systems in key markets. While countries like Iran and Algeria long-time Russian defence partners continue to benefit strategically from the HQ-9B, Moscow faces growing losses in export revenue and influence.
As China cements its position as a leading supplier of advanced air defence systems, the HQ-9B’s expanding customer list underscores a shift in the global balance of military technology. The system’s success has also opened doors for future Chinese fighter jet sales, with reports suggesting that Egypt has ordered the J-10C, and Uzbekistan is planning to replace its legacy Soviet fighters with Chinese models.
Discover more from JUST UNTOLD STORY
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
