During the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, China displayed its HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile system as an outer-layer interceptor.
HQ-19 is stated to be analogous to the U.S.-made THAAD and SM-3 in terms of interception capabilities to intercept longer-ranged ballistic missiles like MRBMs with exo-atmospheric midcourse stages.
ABM systems like HQ-19 and THAAD use interceptors that carry exo-atmospheric kill vehicles (EKV) for terminal to mid-course interception. The EKVs use thrusters to manoeuvre at high speeds as aerodynamic controls are impossible above the atmosphere.
The interception range of HQ-19 was given as 3000 km with interception capability at mid-course or re-entry stages.
HQ-19 will operate alongside HQ-9 and HQ-26 long-range air defence systems as the outer layer protection. Similar examples to this approach can be given as the U.S. Navy's AEGIS employing SM-2/SM-6 missiles for endo-atmospheric and SM-3 missiles for exo-atmospheric defence or the Army with MIM-104 Patriot and THAAD.
China will likely deploy HQ-19 in its western and eastern regions against the ballistic missiles to be fired by the U.S. or India in the event of a conflict.
