The Chinese HQ-9 anti-aircraft missile system has received a new anti-drone protection system. These are anti-drone nets, also known as "barbecues", Defense Express reports.
Images of the air defense systems were spotted online. It can be assumed that the installation of "braziers" on them is a response to new requirements in modern warfare. It is not exclusive that the Chinese are taking into account the experience of Russia, which uses similar protection for its own air defense systems, tanks and even cars, which constantly hit Ukrainian UAVs.
The photos available on the Internet show that the HQ-9 has nets installed that cover almost the entire hull. This allows you to protect the machine from light kamikaze drones. On the other hand, installing such a protection system takes a lot of time, which increases the time required to fold or deploy the air defense system. Also, the nets greatly unmask the complex.
It is worth noting that the need for specialized anti-drone nets and screens appeared when longer-range strike drones began to be used on the front. But now this is hardly the only passive way to protect air defense systems from drones, although little is known about its effectiveness. An alternative could be powerful electronic warfare, but during operation it will give out the position of the air defense system.
The HQ-9 system itself, which some sources refer to by the export name FD-2000B, is an improved version of the S-300 air defense system, which the enemy sells to Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and other countries. At the same time, during the war, the Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed such systems more than once.
And recently, a Ukrainian drone hit the radar of the latest Russian S-500 air defense system. We are talking about the 98L6 "Yenisei" radar.