America and Israel together carried out an airstrike on Iran and caused destruction in many cities including Tehran. After this attack, questions are being raised on Iran’s air defense system as to why they could not stop the attack on them. Iran had recently purchased HQ-9B air defense system from China to strengthen its defense, which proved unsuccessful in the current war. HQ-9B was ineffective even during Operation Sindoor when India wreaked havoc in Pakistan. India had destroyed the Chinese defense system. After the failed performance of this Chinese air defense system twice, questions have started being raised on the capabilities of HQ-9B.
Claims regarding China’s HQ-9B air defense system
China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation has created the HQ-9B air defense system. Like the Russian S-300PMU and the American Patriot PAC-2 system, it has been developed by China as an indigenous air defense system. Its first test was done in the year 2006 and it has been in use for the last 10 years. It has been claimed in many reports that its strike range is 260 km and it can fly at a height of 50 km and shoot down missiles present at high altitude.
Its active radar homing and passive infrared seeker make it effective against stealth aircraft. According to reports, the HQ-9B can engage 6-8 targets simultaneously and track 100 targets. HQ-9B has been deployed to Beijing, Tibet and the South China Sea regions, all of which are vital to China’s strategic interests. This means that this surface-to-air missile system is a mainstay of its air defense network. Although its performance has now proved that, these features are only on paper.
How did Iran get HQ-9B air defense system?
As tensions increased in the Gulf, Iran started strengthening its defense. Iran had made a deal with China for HQ-9B missile in exchange for oil. This was a major upgrade for Iran after the poor performance of the Russian S-300PMU-2 against Israeli missiles during the 2025 war. Iran deployed the HQ-9B last year to important sites such as the Natanz nuclear complex, the Fordow enrichment plant, IRGC missile and UAV bases, and airports near Tehran and Isfahan.
America and Israel together attacked 28 provinces of Iran including Tehran on Saturday (28 February 2026). Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in this attack, which once again drew the attention of the whole world towards the Middle East. Responding to this attack, Iran targeted American military bases in the Gulf countries.
