12 missiles atop Chinese Humvee-like vehicle hint at major air defense upgrade

Key TakeawaysChina's short-range air defense system could be getting a significant upgrade, with reports suggesting its 4×4 launcher vehicle may soon carry three times as many ready-to-fire missiles.The Chinese Humvee may now feature two six-tube launch packs on the vehicle's roof.It is unknown whether the vehicle belongs to the Chinese military or represents an export variant. China’s short-range air defense system could be getting a significant upgrade, with reports suggesting its 4×4 launcher vehicle may soon carry three times as many ready-to-fire missiles. The speculation follows a social media post featuring images and video of what appears to be an updated version of China’s Yitian-L short-range air defense system on the move. Missile launch capacity tripled The redesigned launcher was seen carrying two six-round missile packs instead of the four individual missile canisters used on earlier versions. As before, the launcher is mounted on the Dongfeng Mengshi 4×4, China’s equivalent of the Humvee, but now features two six-tube launch packs on the vehicle’s roof. The vehicle was photographed while being transported, although it remains unclear where and when the images were taken. It is also unknown whether the vehicle belongs to the Chinese military or represents an export variant. NORINCO, the state-owned defense manufacturer that builds the Yitian family of air defense systems, has not commented on the reported upgrade. “China knows its priority is building the Yitian-L air defense system for its people, not war,” the social media user wrote alongside the video of the Chinese Humvee. The Yitian system is designed to protect troops and fixed sites against low-flying helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. In its current configuration, the lightweight Yitian-L carries four TY-90 infrared-guided missiles and a foldable 3D X-band radar mounted on the roof. NORINCO claims the radar can detect targets up to 11 miles (18 km) away. The TY-90 missiles have an engagement range of 500 m to 3.7 miles (6 km) and can intercept targets at altitudes of up to 2.48 miles (4 km). The system is operated by a two-person crew using a joystick-controlled digital console from inside the vehicle. Could tackle drone swarms It is also unclear whether the additional missiles are standard TY-90s or a smaller derivative. The TY-90 was originally developed as a short-range air-to-air missile for Chinese helicopters before being adapted for ground launch with a passive infrared guidance system that tracks targets using their heat signatures. Because the missiles are fire-and-forget weapons, the launcher does not need to continuously illuminate the target, helping reduce the chances of revealing the vehicle’s position during combat. The available images also do not show whether the upgraded Yitian-L retains the same radar and fire-control system or whether the increased missile load affects its range or performance. A launcher carrying 12 missiles could help address a challenge highlighted in recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where swarms of small drones can rapidly exhaust four-missile launchers. The original Yitian and the newer Yitian II, both mounted on armored personnel carriers, carry eight TY-90 missiles each. If confirmed, a 12-round Yitian-L would exceed the missile capacity of either heavier variant. So far, the Yitian-L has primarily been marketed as an export product. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.