Uzbekistan fields Chinese-made air defense systems

Uzbekistan’s armed forces conducted a live-fire air defense exercise using multiple Chinese-made surface-to-air missile systems.

The exercise involved launches from three Chinese systems: the long-range FD-2000B, the medium-range KS-1C, and the short-range FM-90. All missiles were fired as part of an integrated air defense target practice aimed at training crews in detection, tracking, and engagement of aerial threats across different altitude and range bands.

According to footage and statements released following the drill, the exercise focused on coordinated operation between the systems rather than testing a single platform in isolation. The FD-2000B, China’s export variant of the HQ-9 family, was used to simulate long-range interception tasks, while the KS-1C covered medium-range targets. The FM-90 system was employed for close-range air defense against low-altitude threats.

As noted by military and technology analyst Shahryar Pasandideh, China typically exports downgraded or export-only variants of its People’s Liberation Army systems, and retains certain operational modes for domestic use. The systems operated by Uzbekistan are understood to be export configurations, consistent with China’s standard arms transfer practices.

The FD-2000B is designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and other aerial targets at extended ranges, while the KS-1C provides medium-range coverage using radar-guided interceptors. The FM-90, derived from earlier Chinese short-range air defense designs, is intended to protect critical sites and maneuver units from low-flying aircraft and precision-guided munitions.

Pasandideh noted that the export of advanced air defense systems carries reputational and security risks for Beijing, particularly when systems are transferred to countries with limited technical oversight capacity or persistent corruption challenges. Even when sensitive technologies do not leak directly to adversaries, operational exposure during exercises can draw attention from foreign intelligence services.

China has increasingly positioned itself as a supplier of air defense systems to developing and middle-income countries, offering layered solutions that span short-, medium-, and long-range engagement envelopes. These offerings often appeal to states seeking alternatives to Russian or Western suppliers due to cost, political constraints, or delivery timelines.

For Uzbekistan, the exercise highlights an effort to build a multi-tier air defense network capable of responding to a range of airborne threats, including aircraft, unmanned systems, and cruise missiles. The use of multiple missile types in a single training event suggests a focus on interoperability and command-and-control integration rather than standalone system performance.