Airshow China 2022: China unveils Red-11 terminal defence system

China displays the Red-11 universal terminal defence weapon system at Airshow China 2022. The system provides short-range terminal defence at mid-to-low altitudes. (Future Publishing via Getty Images)

China has unveiled the Red-11 universal terminal defence weapon system at the Airshow China 2022 exhibition taking place in Zhuhai from 8 to 13 November.

Janes learnt that the Red-11 system includes ammunition and artillery in addition to air-defence weapons. It can intercept air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, cruise missiles, fixed-wing combat aircraft, helicopters, and other airstrike weapons, and also provide short-range terminal defence at mid-to-low altitudes.

Janes assesses that the Red-11 (also referred to as HQ-11) system comprises a missile launcher vehicle, a close-in weapon system (CIWS) vehicle, and an intelligence and command vehicle (ICV).

The missile launcher vehicle is an 8×8 wheeled transporter erector launcher (TEL) with eight square canisters raised vertically for the launch of improved short-range surface-to-air missiles of unknown type (suspected to be the latest iteration of the HQ series).

The 8×8 wheeled CIWS vehicle is equipped with a power-operated turret based on a Type 1130 naval Gatling gun, which is operated by remote control.

The system includes a tracking radar mounted on the roof of the cannon turret, along with a day/thermal sighting system.

The launcher and CIWS vehicles are equipped with two hydraulic stabilisers to provide a more stable platform. The radar antenna is mounted on top of the vehicle's mast that is lowered into the horizontal position for travelling.

The vehicle comprises a generator located at the rear of the fully enclosed cabin, enabling operations without engine activation.

The ICV is expected to be integrated with automatic target search, acquisition, identification, threat evaluation, and target indication capabilities.