CN / OPFOR HQ-22 (RWR: 22)

//Public Intel-Report
Last updated: 20250228

---

RWR: 22
THREAT: HIGH

In-DCS Unit View:

Originators Designation: 红旗Red Banner-22
NATO Reporting Name: HQ-22
Description:
The PLA HQ-22 (Hong Qi-22, or "Red Banner-22") is a medium-to-long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by China to bolster its air defense capabilities. Unveiled at the 2016 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, it entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by 2019. Designed as a cost-effective replacement for the aging HQ-2 and a second-generation upgrade of the HQ-12, the HQ-22 is intended to engage a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and helicopters, at ranges up to 100-170 km and altitudes from 50 meters to 27 km.

The system features a "wingless" missile design compared to the HQ-12, utilizing semi-active radar homing for guidance, with the option to switch to radio-command guidance in environments with heavy electronic interference. A typical HQ-22 unit comprises four to eight transporter erector launchers (TELs), each carrying four missiles, paired with a radar vehicle—often the H-200 multifunctional radar—capable of tracking and engaging up to six targets simultaneously with 12 missiles. Its mobility is enhanced by 8x8-wheeled trucks, such as the Hanyang HY4330, powered by a 540-horsepower Deutz diesel engine.

The HQ-22 has been compared to the U.S. Patriot and Russia’s S-300 systems due to its range and capabilities, though it prioritizes affordability over the more advanced HQ-9. It has been widely deployed by the PLAAF, with at least 13 battalions operational between 2016 and 2018, often replacing HQ-2 units. The export variant, FK-3, was sold to Serbia in 2019, marking China’s first medium- or long-range SAM export to Europe, delivered in 2022. In 2021, India reported HQ-22 deployments near eastern Ladakh, highlighting its strategic use in contested regions. The system reflects China’s push to modernize its air defense network with a balance of performance and cost.

Threat Overview​

• Guidance: Semi-active radar homing, with radio-command backup for resilience against electronic countermeasures (ECM).
• Deployment: Mobile, truck-mounted (8x8 Hanyang HY4330 TELs), with rapid setup and relocation capabilities.

Key Capabilities​

• Engagement Capacity: Paired with H-200 radar, can track multiple targets and engage up to 6 simultaneously with 12 missiles.
• Threat Spectrum: Effective against a broad range of targets, from slow-moving UAVs to fast jets and precision-guided munitions.
• Counter-ECM: Dual-mode guidance enhances survivability in contested electronic environments.

Limitations​

• Radar Dependence: Relies on H-200 or similar radar, making it vulnerable to anti-radiation missiles (AGM-88 HARM) or jamming.
• Guidance Constraints: Semi-active homing requires continuous radar illumination, potentially exposing the system to detection and suppression.
• Not Top-Tier: Less advanced than HQ-9 or S-400 in range, missile speed, and counter-stealth capabilities.
• Low-Altitude Gaps: Minimum 164-foot engagement altitude may leave openings for terrain-hugging threats.

Threat Implications​

• For Aircraft: High-altitude strike platforms (e.g., bombers, fighters) face significant risk within 106 nm; low-level penetration requires ECM and terrain masking.
• For Cruise Missiles: Effective interception capability, though saturation attacks could overwhelm its 6-target limit.
• Strategic Impact: Deters air operations in contested zones (e.g., eastern Ladakh, South China Sea); forces adversaries to prioritize SEAD/DEAD (Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses) missions.

Specifications:

Max Engagement Range:	106nm
Max Engagement Height:	88,000ft
Min Engagement Height:	160ft
Max Speed:	M8.0
ECM Burn Through	N/A
Warhead Weight	N/A

HARM ALIC Codes:

H-200 Search / Track Radar	586
JSG-100 Search Radar	587

​

Immediate Defensive Actions​

High threat system that is a priority for SEAD and Strike aircraft. If an aircraft is fired upon by the PLA HQ-22 SAM system, the crew must act swiftly to evade the missile, leveraging its semi-active radar homing (SARH) guidance (with radio-command backup), 62-106 mile range, and 164-88,582 foot altitude WEZ envelope. The HQ-22’s reliance on continuous radar illumination. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Break Radar Lock:
   • Maneuver: Execute a high-G barrel roll or sharp S-turn (e.g., 6-8 Gs if aircraft permits) to force the H-200 radar to lose line-of-sight or exceed its tracking slew rate.
   • Tools: Deploy chaff in bursts (e.g., 3-5 seconds apart) to create false targets, confusing the radar’s doppler return.
2. Terrain Masking:
   • Maneuver: Dive to low altitude (below 164 feet if possible) and use terrain features (hills, ridges, valleys) to block the radar’s line-of-sight. The HQ-22’s 164-foot minimum altitude creates a blind spot exploitable near ground level. Terrain breaks the radar beam, forcing the missile to lose guidance.
   • Risk: Proximity to short-range defenses or ground obstacles; requires precise navigation.
3. Beam Maneuver:
   • Maneuver: Turn 90 degrees to the radar’s bearing (putting it on your 3 or 9 o’clock) and fly perpendicular to the missile’s path while descending.
   • Tools: Combine with chaff and jamming (if equipped) to amplify confusion.

Offensive Actions​

The best offensive SEAD/DEAD gameplan in DCS against an HQ-22 proxy blends standoff HARM suppression, MALD saturation, and JSOW/TEL strikes. Prioritize the radar kill and use terrain to minimize risk. Unless going in for the strike on radar, it is recommended to avoid the HQ-22 WEZ Staying outside the 106-mile threat ring until the system is neutralized at all costs.

1. Range Advantage:
   • Stay beyond 106 miles for initial strikes. HARM’s 90-mile DCS range (realistic lofting) and JSOW’s 70-mile glide outrange the HQ-22 proxy.
2. Radar Kill Priority:
   • The H-200 proxy (e.g., SA-10 “Big Bird”) is the linchpin. One HARM hit typically disables it in DCS, rendering TELs inert.
3. Saturation:
   • MALDs + HARMs exploit this SAM with saturation kills.
4. Terrain Exploitation:
   • Use Mountains and hills to drop below 164 feet, breaking lock if missiles launch. DCS terrain masking is reliable if flown precisely.

 

[Wing]