China has rolled out the new HongQi-10 surface-to-air missile system, which is claimed to be capable of trimming down the threat from low-altitude anti-ship missiles and aircraft.
During the demonstration, the missile system successfully intercepted a target and exploded in the sky on impact with its target, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Aimed at defending naval ships against rockets, the latest military system will complement an area defence system that covers a larger area, claims the Global Times newspaper.
Modern Ships monthly journal deputy chief editor Lan Yun said: "As a naval point defence missile system, HongQi-10 boasts a particularly quick response to low-altitude missiles that area defence systems fail to intercept."
Further, the system can be used to launch missiles at just 1.5m to 10m above sea level, while taking only ten seconds to launch.
Integrating infrared and microwave seekers, the latest missile system will be able to secure naval vessels against anti-ship missiles euipped with either infrared or microwave radiation.
In addition to offering maritime defence, the low to medium-level air defence system can also defend ground forces from air attacks by jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles.
China has been focusing on boosting its military force and naval reach in recent years, with President Xi Jinping urging the nation to bolster its ability to ‘win battles’.
