Chinese HQ-9B again in spotlight after reports of failure of Iranian air defence system amid US-Israel strikes

Massive airstrikes conducted by the US and Israel across Iran’s 20 provinces have again raised spotlights over the Chinese-origin HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missile system that Iran is believed to have recently acquired, a TOI report stated. The air strikes hit several Iranian prime targets including the compound of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and nuclear facility.

As per reports, Iran deployed the Chinese air defence system on Iranian nuclear sites but was unable to protect the important installations at the site. However, in an official statement, China has denied supplying the HQ-9 to Iran. This is not the first time when the sub standard of the Chinese air defence system has been exposed during an air combat. Earlier last year, Indian Air force neutralised several HQ-9 air defence batteries during Operation Sindoor.

What is the HQ-9B

Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the HQ-9B is a long-range surface-to-air missile system inspired by the Russian S-300PMU and the American Patriot PAC-2, and described by Beijing as a fully indigenous platform. First tested in 2006 and operational for over a decade, it reportedly has a maximum engagement range of approximately 260 kilometres and an interception altitude of up to 50 kilometres. It is designed to counter aircraft, cruise missiles and certain classes of ballistic missiles.


Also Read: Israel Iran War: From $2-billion B2 bomber to kamikaze drone, here's the list of weapons used by US to hit Iran

The system reportedly incorporates active radar homing and a passive infrared seeker to enhance effectiveness against stealth aircraft and electronic countermeasures. It is said to be capable of tracking up to 100 targets simultaneously and engaging six to eight at a time. China has deployed the HQ-9B in Beijing, Tibet and the South China Sea, indicating its importance within China’s air defence grid.

Did Iran receive the system

Reports of Iran’s procurement of the HQ-9B emerged amid heightened tensions linked to Tehran’s nuclear programme. Media accounts suggested the system may have been acquired under an oil-for-weapons arrangement between Beijing and Tehran. Senior Iranian lawmaker Abolfazl Zohrevand said China would supply HQ-9 systems to close critical operational gaps against high-altitude threats, while Beijing publicly denied delivering the HQ-9B to Iran.

Iranian officials indicated that the reported package included long-range surveillance radars and electronic warfare systems, reflecting efforts to modernise air defences after shortcomings were exposed in previous clashes. Iran’s earlier reliance on the S-300PMU-2 reportedly proved inadequate during the 2025 conflict with Israel, accelerating its search for alternatives.

Also Read: F-15 Crash: Watch video of fighter jet spiralling down amid Israel-Iran war, Kuwait army confirm several jets crashed

Take a look at Iran’s layered air defence system

The scale of the coordinated operation by the USA and Israel suggested the use of advanced weapons and platforms designed to penetrate layered air defence systems. Despite a multi-tiered defensive architecture, reported damage indicates that numerous incoming projectiles were able to penetrate or overwhelm Iran’s shield.

Layer	Systems	Intended role
Long-range	HQ-9B; S-300PMU-2; Bavar-373	Engage distant aircraft, cruise missiles and high-altitude threats
Medium-range	Khordad-15; Raad	Fill coverage gaps between long- and short-range layers
Short-range	Tor-M2; Pantsir-S1; Zolfaqar; shoulder-fired MANPADS	Counter low-flying aircraft, drones and precision-guided munitions

The HQ-9B was likely deployed around critical assets including the Natanz nuclear complex, the Fordow enrichment facility, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps missile and UAV bases, and major airbases near Tehran and Isfahan.

Also Read: Ayatollah Khamenei died in air strike: How Israel and US killed the Supreme leader with 30 bombs

HQ-9B is the same system that failed to adequately protect high-value targets in Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.