HJ-12

HJ-12 was developed by NORINCO as a modern third-generation anti-tank missile intended to compete with weapons such as Javelin and Spike in the export and domestic markets. It represents China's move beyond wire-guided SACLOS missiles like HJ-8 toward portable fire-and-forget capability. The system was publicly associated with Airshow China presentations and Red Arrow export branding.

HJ-12 is typically described as a portable missile using an imaging seeker, allowing lock-on before launch and autonomous flight after firing. This reduces operator exposure compared with wire-guided systems. Top-attack and direct-attack profiles give it flexibility against tanks, fortifications, and other point targets depending on seeker and warhead configuration.

HJ-12 has been marketed internationally as Red Arrow 12 and reported in foreign service or delivery contexts. Its importance is strategic as much as technical: it shows China competing in a market previously dominated by U.S., Israeli, and European third-generation ATGMs. That makes it valuable context for current infantry anti-armor procurement trends.