A blow to Moscow: Azerbaijan modernizes its military and secretly buys Chinese air defense systems
Azerbaijan appears to be increasingly distancing itself from Russia and diversifying its sources of armaments. During a rehearsal for the military parade in Baku, Chinese HQ-9BE anti-aircraft missile systems, which were not previously in the equipment of the Azerbaijani army, were observed.
Azerbaijan secretly buys Chinese air defense systems PHOTO: X
According to the publication Defense Express, the acquisition of these systems would have been done in secret, marking a possible change of direction in the country's military and foreign policy.
The HQ-9BE system is the export version of the Chinese HQ-9B complex, developed on the basis of the Soviet S-300 system. With a range of up to 260 kilometers and the ability to intercept targets at altitudes of up to 27 kilometers, the new system is considered superior to the Russian S-300PMU2, which Baku acquired in 2011.
Also, the HQ-9BE can simultaneously launch 16 missiles at eight different targets, being able to shoot down not only aircraft and cruise missiles, but also tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.
The choice of a Chinese system, at the expense of continued collaboration with Russia, suggests a reconfiguration of Azerbaijan's strategic relations.
In recent years, relations between Moscow and Baku have deteriorated, particularly amid diplomatic incidents and resentment over Russia's involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
In addition, sources cited by Defense Express claim that Azerbaijan also recently received the first Chinese JF-17C fighter jets, which were delivered without public announcement.
They are to replace MiG-29s previously sourced from Ukraine, thus strengthening Baku's strategic orientation towards Beijing.
