A launcher for the FK-3 air defense system is displayed at the military airport in Batajnica, near Belgrade, Serbia, on April 30, 2022. Photo: VCG
Underscoring its advanced capabilities, the Serbian Ministry of Defense announced the deployment of the Chinese-made medium-range air defense weapon system FK-3, news website Defense Blog reported on Thursday. Military experts told the Global Times that the FK-3 has demonstrated strong combat capabilities and serves as the main export product of China’s air and missile defense portfolio.
“By equipping the air force and air defense forces with the new FK-3 air defense missile system, the airspace control and protection system of the Republic of Serbia has been significantly improved,” the Serbian Ministry of Defense said in a recent statement. The system consists of a command center vehicle, rocket launcher, radar, and logistics support vehicle.
The Serbian Ministry of Defense also released detailed images of the FK-3 from various angles, including the oblique firing mode.
According to a statement from the Serbian Ministry of Defense, FK-3 missile squadron commander Captain 1st Class Stefan Manić described the system as a “milestone in air defense systems.”
The defense blog reported that the crew operating the FK-3 underwent intensive training in China. Captain Manich acknowledged that the training process was “very complex”, but emphasized the dedication and motivation of the squad members. He said all members of the unit have successfully completed comprehensive training and are now able to independently operate and maintain the missile system.
The report noted that the deployment of the FK-3 system is in line with Serbia’s continued efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The system not only strengthens Serbia’s ability to protect its airspace, but also reflects the strengthening of Serbian-China defense ties.
The FK-3 is the latest export version of China’s HQ-22 medium-range air defense missile system.
Serbia’s then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Miloš Vucevic told the Global Times in an October 2023 interview that the acquisition of the latest FK-3 anti-aircraft system “strengthened the security of our airspace and of our country as a whole.” he said. ”
Military experts told the Global Times on Friday that the FK-3 air defense missile combines strong overall combat capability with high cost efficiency. This type of air defense missile has a wide range of applications and is versatile enough to carry out air defense missions and field operations in strategic locations. This is China’s main export product for air and missile defense systems.
“Since this type of missile has unique advantages, Serbia is displaying the missile to the public in order to demonstrate solid air defense capabilities against potential threats,” the expert said, adding that China’s arms exports are mainly He emphasized that regional stability is, and will continue to be, defensive in nature.
