Pakistan’s new air shield after Operation Sindoor: Chinese HQ-17A, Turkish KORKUT explained

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has showcased newer Chinese- and Turkish-origin air-defence systems that it says will strengthen protection of military installations against aerial threats. The equipment was displayed around Pakistan’s Defence Day observances and comes after Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces struck Pakistani air-defence sites and military installations.

India said on May 8, 2025 that its armed forces had targeted air-defence radars and systems at several locations in Pakistan, including an air-defence system at Lahore. Subsequent reporting based on satellite imagery also identified damage to radar and air-defence infrastructure at locations including Pasrur, Chunian and Arifwala.

The latest PAF display includes the Chinese HQ-17A family of short-range surface-to-air missile systems and the Turkish KORKUT 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system. Recent reporting has identified the system shown by the PAF as the export HQ-17AE variant, although the PAF has not publicly disclosed procurement quantities or contract details.

HQ-17A adds a short-range missile layer

The HQ-17A is a Chinese short-range surface-to-air missile system derived from the Russian Tor-M1 design. It is intended to engage low- and medium-altitude aerial targets, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Recent reporting has identified the system displayed by Pakistan as the export HQ-17AE version. It is designed for short-range point defence and is intended to provide another layer around important installations.

The system's appearance is significant because it adds a mobile missile-based layer to Pakistan's close-in air defence. Its effectiveness against different threats, however, would depend on factors including detection, engagement range, electronic warfare and how it is integrated with other air-defence systems.

KORKUT brings gun-based protection against drones

Pakistan has also displayed Türkiye’s KORKUT, a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system developed by ASELSAN.

The system is designed for close-range protection against aerial targets, including drones. Its gun-based configuration provides a different layer of defence from the short-range missiles of the HQ-17 family. Recent reporting says KORKUT is intended to strengthen point defence and counter lower-flying threats that reach the inner layer of an air-defence network.

What changed after Operation Sindoor

The new systems are being discussed against the backdrop of the damage inflicted on Pakistani air-defence infrastructure during Operation Sindoor. India said it had targeted air-defence radars and systems in Pakistan during the operation, while subsequent imagery analysis reported damage to multiple military and air-defence sites.

Indian reporting at the time also described strikes on Pakistani air bases and air-defence assets using long-range and precision weapons.

The PAF’s subsequent display of shorter-range systems therefore points to an effort to reinforce the protection available around air bases and other important installations, particularly within the final layers of an air-defence network.

HQ-17A and KORKUT cannot replace longer-range defences

The two systems occupy different roles. The HQ-17 family provides a short-range missile layer, while KORKUT is a gun-based close-in system. Together, they can add additional engagement opportunities against incoming aerial threats that get through longer-range defences.

Their presence does not by itself establish how effective Pakistan’s overall air-defence network would be in a future conflict. Procurement numbers, deployment locations, integration with existing radars and command networks, and the tactics used by both sides would all influence their operational performance.

Pakistan has not publicly disclosed the number of HQ-17A or KORKUT systems acquired, while available reports have also differed over the precise configuration of the Chinese system displayed.

The new equipment nevertheless marks another addition to Pakistan’s layered air-defence network as the country responds to vulnerabilities highlighted during the India-Pakistan aerial confrontation in 2025.