Chinese Supplied FK-3 SAM Systems Operational with Serbia 13/01/2025 | Mike Rajkumar

The Chinese-made FK-3 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) Air Defence (AD) system, an export version of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited’s (CASIC) HQ-22 SAM system is now operational with Serbia.

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, released images on December 30th, 2024 of its FK-3 SAM systems in operational configuration. China began deliveries of the SAM system to Serbia in May 2022 and has completed deliveries, which includes road-mobile missile launchers, phased-array radars and command vehicles.

Serbian Air Force crews received training on the FK-3 missile system in the People's Republic of China. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN), another export customer for the FK-3 has also operationalised the weapon system.

A release issued by the Serbian MoD stated, “By arming the Air Force and Air Defence with the new FK-3 air defence missile system, the airspace control and protection system has been significantly improved in the Republic of Serbia.”

Serbia’s FK-3 SAM systems will be used for the defence of government buildings, business facilities, SAF troops, and territory from airborne reconnaissance and aerial attacks. The released images show the 250th Air Defence Missile Brigade’s battalion armed with the FK-3.

“The FK-3 has an exceptional anti-jamming system and capability to prevent missiles designed to destroy tracking radars. The FK-3 air defence missile system is characterized by exceptional manoeuvrability and spatial efficiency, which makes it dominant among new generation missile systems. It is equipped with sophisticated technology. In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, the system has exceptional fire capabilities, because it can engage 6 air targets with 12 missiles simultaneously,” said missile battery commander, Captain 1st Class Stefan Manic.

As per information released by the Serbian MoD, the FK-3 can engage various types of aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles up to a distance of 100 km. It can engage targets moving at speeds of 1000 m/s, and up to an altitude of 27 km.

As per information available in the Chinese media, the FK-3 features a dual mode guidance system, combining a command plus semi-active radar homing composite guidance system and a whole-course command guidance system.

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