China has reportedly developed an amphibious short-range air defense system, combining the missile launcher and radar suite of the HQ-13 SAM with the Type 05/ZBD-05 amphibious armored vehicle. Designated as the Amphibious HQ-13, the system aims to protect Chinese Marine Corps units during beach-landing and island-assault operations, including potential actions in the Taiwan Strait.
Images surfaced online on November 9, 2025, suggesting that the new variant was designed for continuous low-altitude air defense coverage during amphibious assaults. The configuration represents China’s first integration of a SHORAD system onto a fully amphibious combat chassis, marking a notable advancement in the PLA’s expeditionary air defense capabilities.
Integrated Air Defense for Amphibious Forces
Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) Eighth Academy, the HQ-13 is a self-propelled short-range surface-to-air missile system optimized for mobile defense. Its export version, the FB-10A, has previously appeared at defense expos and seen use in combat zones such as Sudan. Now adapted for maritime operations, the system is expected to enter service with the PLA Navy Marine Corps.
The HQ-13 can engage helicopters, UAVs, subsonic cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions within a 1–17 km range and altitudes up to 7,500 meters. It employs a hybrid guidance system—radio command for midcourse and infrared imaging for terminal homing—allowing reliable interception under electronic countermeasures. Its radar system provides detection coverage out to 50 km.
Adapted on the Type 05 Amphibious Platform
The new variant is based on the Type 05/ZBD-05 amphibious vehicle, developed by Norinco for the PLA Marine Corps. Featuring an aluminum hull, hydrodynamic shaping, and dual water jets, the vehicle achieves 30 km/h on water and 65 km/h on land. Engineers have optimized radar and launcher balance to preserve buoyancy and stability during high-speed marine operations. The retractable radar mast enables low drag during transit and rapid deployment for combat engagement.
Operational and Strategic Significance
The Amphibious HQ-13 provides continuous air cover from the sea phase through the beachhead, moving alongside ZTD-05 assault guns and ZBD-05 infantry vehicles. Each launcher acts as an independent fire-control unit, capable of engaging up to six targets simultaneously with a reaction time of roughly 13 seconds. Its “shoot-and-scoot” capability enhances survivability in drone-saturated environments.
Strategically, the system reflects China’s push toward multi-layered, networked air defense within maneuver and amphibious formations. Working alongside the HQ-9B and HQ-22 long-range systems, the Amphibious HQ-13 extends layered protection across the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Leveraging proven HQ-13 and Type 05 platforms, it also offers export potential under the FB-10A family for nations seeking amphibious SHORAD solutions for coastal or island defense.
