Cairo, April 17 - Egypt has confirmed the acquisition of China's advanced HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, a move that has sparked concern in Israel and underscores Cairo's strategic pivot toward diversifying its military arsenal. The revelation, reported by Israeli media and attributed to retired Major General Samir Farag, a former Egyptian military official, marks the first official acknowledgment of Egypt's deployment of this sophisticated air defense system, which is widely regarded as comparable to Russia's S-400. With a range of up to 300 kilometers and the ability to engage multiple aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles, the HQ-9B significantly enhances Egypt's air defense capabilities, positioning it as a formidable player in the Middle East's complex geopolitical landscape.
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The HQ-9B, an upgraded variant of the earlier HQ-9 system, incorporates advanced features such as the HT-233 3D phased-array radar, capable of tracking up to 100 targets and engaging over 50 simultaneously. Its launchers can carry eight smaller, lighter missiles alongside four larger ones, providing flexibility to counter both long-range and shorter-range threats. This adaptability, combined with its cold-launch capability and 360-degree radar coverage, makes the HQ-9B a robust defense against modern aerial and ballistic threats. Egypt's acquisition of this system, developed by China's Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CPMIEC), reflects a deliberate strategy to modernize its air defenses and reduce reliance on traditional Western suppliers, particularly the United States and France, which have historically limited Egypt's access to advanced weaponry to preserve Israel's qualitative military edge.
Israel's apprehension stems from the HQ-9B's potential to challenge its air superiority, a cornerstone of its defense strategy. The Israeli Air Force, equipped with advanced U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighters and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, has long maintained dominance in the region. However, the HQ-9B's extended range and anti-stealth radar capabilities could complicate Israeli operations, particularly in scenarios involving Egyptian airspace. Israeli defense circles are particularly concerned about Egypt's broader military buildup, which includes the recent acquisition of Chinese J-10C fighter jets armed with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles. These developments signal Egypt's intent to assert greater strategic autonomy and counterbalance regional powers, including Israel, amid tensions over issues like the Gaza conflict and Red Sea security.
Egypt's turn to China for advanced systems like the HQ-9B is driven by frustrations with Western restrictions. The U.S. has constrained Egypt's access to cutting-edge munitions, equipping its large F-16 fleet with outdated AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, while France has withheld long-range MICA missiles for its Rafale jets. China's willingness to provide advanced technology without political strings has made it an attractive partner for Cairo, which seeks to address threats from Libya, Ethiopia, and maritime challenges in the Red Sea. The HQ-9B acquisition also aligns with Egypt's procurement of Chinese Wing Loong-1D drones and potential interest in J-31 stealth fighters, indicating a deepening defense partnership with Beijing. This shift has broader implications for the Middle East, where China's growing influence as an arms supplier challenges the dominance of Western and Russian systems. For Egypt, the HQ-9B enhances its deterrence capabilities and bargaining power with Western allies, while for Israel, it raises questions about maintaining its military edge in an evolving regional order. As Cairo continues to diversify its arsenal, the balance of power in the Middle East remains in flux, with the HQ-9B serving as a potent symbol of Egypt's ambitions and China's expanding role.