The HQ-16 (simplified Chinese: 红旗-16; traditional Chinese: 紅旗-16; pinyin: Hóng Qí-16; lit. 'Red Banner-16'; NATO reporting name: CH-SA-16) is a Chinese medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It is derived from earlier versions of the Russian Buk missile system.
== Development == Development began in 2005, and was reportedly assisted by the Almaz-Antey Corporation. It was initially developed as a naval system. In late-2011, China reported the "co-development between Russia and China" of the missile was complete. The HQ-16B was developed by late-2011. A ground battery consists of a command post, two multifunction radars, and four to six launchers. Each launcher has six missiles. The HQ-16 is effective in intercepting tactical ballistic missiles.
== Operational history == The platform for the HHQ-16, the Type 054A frigate, entered service in 2008. The HQ-16A entered service in 2011. The HQ-16A entered Chinese service in 2011. Pakistan entered negotiations to purchase the missile in 2015. The LY-80s entered service with the Pakistan Army in March 2017. HQ-16s were integrated into a networked air defense system and deployed during the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict.
Variants
HQ-16A Original land-based variant with a range of 40 kilometres (25 mi). HHQ-16 Naval variant, reportedly a domestic-produced variant of the 9M317ME missile. HQ-16B Improved variant with slant range exceeding 70 kilometres (43 mi). HQ-16C Improved variant with slant range exceeding 70 kilometres (43 mi). HHQ-16C Improved extended-range naval variant. LY-80 Export variant. LY-80N Export naval variant. HQ-16FE Improved variant with range up to 160 kilometres (99 mi).
== Operators == China People's Liberation Army Ground Force – 250 HQ-16A & HQ-16B People's Liberation Army Navy – HHQ-16 Pakistan Pakistan Army – LY-80 Pakistan Navy – LY-80N Pakistan Air Force – HQ-16FE
== See also == HQ-7 HQ-9 HQ-20 HQ-22