Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has confirmed that the Serbian Armed Forces will be strengthened with another Chinese-made air defense system. The HQ-9 will join the FK-3 system, the export version of China’s HQ-22, and the HQ-17AE, a Chinese counterpart of russia’s Tor air defense system.
The information was recently reported by military analyst Luka from the Balkan-focused OSINT account Dunav Intel (@Lukai1861), which specializes in Serbia’s defense sector and regional military developments.
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According to the analyst, reports about Serbia’s potential acquisition of another Chinese air defense system had been circulating since last year. In February 2026, Serbian Chief of General Staff General Milan Mojsilović stated that Belgrade planned to strengthen its capabilities against ballistic threats. The earlier reports and statements have now been officially confirmed with the announcement of the HQ-9 procurement.
No additional details about the contract, including the number of systems or delivery timeline, have been disclosed.
Serbia, however, already has experience with delays in deploying Chinese military equipment. For example, after acquiring the FK-3 air defense system, the Serbian Armed Forces reportedly required around two years before the system became operational.
Belgrade’s growing reliance on Chinese air defense systems reflects a complex geopolitical situation. On one hand, Serbia’s shift toward Chinese weapons reduces its traditional dependence on russian military equipment. On the other hand, it represents a rare case of a European country expanding defense cooperation with China at a time when Beijing’s relationship with Moscow has become a major international concern.
China has been accused of providing indirect support to Russia’s war effort against Ukraine, while Serbia has maintained a separate position and has reportedly contributed to Ukraine’s ammunition supply through third countries.
Earlier in 2026, reports suggested that Serbia could further expand military cooperation with China by purchasing Chinese fighter aircraft. However, Belgrade ultimately selected French-made Rafale fighters instead, signing a contract worth €2.7 billion with France.
The HQ-9 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by China. Its development began in the late 1980s, when Beijing launched efforts to create an indigenous long-range air defense capability.
The export versions of the system include the FD-2000, which has a reported engagement range of approximately 125 km, and the newer FD-2000B variant, which reportedly extends the range to around 260 km and includes improved capabilities against ballistic missile threats.
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