Tajikistan received the HQ-17AE anti-aircraft missile system from China
Tajikistan recently announced the receipt of the HQ-17AE anti-aircraft missile system from China. This move highlights the growing interest of Central Asian countries in Chinese defense products, which significantly impacts the military balances in the region. The HQ-17AE system is designed to protect against aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and other objects that pose a security risk. The system includes advanced radars and guided missiles, making it effective at protecting strategically important objects and territories.
Earlier this year, Uzbekistan also signed a contract with China for the supply of FM-90 and KS-1C air defense systems. This confirms that interest in Chinese military products in Central Asia continues to rise. The FM-90 and KS-1C systems are capable of defending airspace over greater distances and can destroy various types of threats, from military aircraft to ballistic missiles.
The strengthening of defense positions in Central Asian countries like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan using Chinese technologies may be seen as a response to the challenges faced by the region. These countries are actively working to secure their borders and strengthen their defense infrastructure in light of changing geopolitical circumstances and instability in neighboring areas. Given China’s active role in expanding its influence in the region, the supply of military equipment has become an integral part of the strategic partnership between these countries.
For Tajikistan, this move marks an important milestone in its growing defense policy. The country continues to develop its military capabilities, while strengthening ties with China. Over the past few years, Tajikistan has been actively modernizing its military, acquiring more advanced systems to protect its territorial integrity and ensure national security. The receipt of the HQ-17AE anti-aircraft missile system from China will undoubtedly enhance Tajikistan’s capabilities in air defense, increasing its ability to protect vital strategic assets from external threats.
Furthermore, the purchase of Chinese defense products demonstrates the development of military diplomacy in Central Asia, where countries are beginning to look for alternatives in their armament and strengthen their defense positions by turning to Chinese manufacturers. Over the past decades, China has significantly strengthened its defense capabilities and become one of the largest exporters of military technology in the world. These deliveries not only confirm the growing interest in Chinese technologies but also strengthen bilateral security ties between the countries of the region and China.
In Uzbekistan, the purchase of FM-90 and KS-1C air defense systems also strengthens its position in the defense sphere. Uzbekistan views these supplies as a way to bolster its security in light of the challenging geopolitical realities, where neighbors like Afghanistan are going through a period of political instability. Uzbekistan seeks to ensure the protection of its territory and key facilities, considering the ongoing threats from various armed groups and potential risks related to changes in international security.
Thus, both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan demonstrate their readiness to respond to external security challenges by strengthening their defense with advanced Chinese technologies. These steps reflect the changing landscape of military security in Central Asia, where China is increasingly becoming an important security partner. In the coming years, we can expect an increase in the number of contracts with Chinese military technology manufacturers, helping the countries of the region strengthen their defense capabilities and increase their readiness to protect national interests.
In the future, we may see a continued growing interest of Central Asian countries in Chinese defense technologies, leading to deeper ties between China and the countries of the region in military and security matters. This may also affect strategic cooperation within the CSTO and SCO, where China continues to play a key role in ensuring stability and security.
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