China FK-2000 - A Comprehensive Air Defense System Combining Missiles And Artillery

China is vigorously developing its air defense systems, filling all ranges to form a multi-layered air defense network. Launched at the 2021 Zhuhai Air Show, the FK-2000 is described as China's top-level self-propelled anti-aircraft system. FK-2000 was developed by China Aerospace Science It is classified as a short-range surface-to-air missile system, appears to have been derived from Russia's Panzer family. It is capable of engaging aircraft at ranges from 1.2 to 25 km and at altitudes ranging from 15 to 12 km, and is also capable of engaging precision-guided munition targets, such as air-to-surface weapons or cruise missiles, at ranges from 1.2 to 10 km and at altitudes from 15 to 8 km, according to the PLA daily newspaper. The self-propelled unit has onboard a launcher, a radar station, and an unmanned tower with a short radar. It is also possible to install an optical electronic infrared sight on the top of the tower to provide a backup means for fire control. To destroy targets, the Vigor is equipped with 12 containers and 2 cannons, which, similar to the Russian Panzer S, can fire independently of each other. Note that the Russian Panzer S is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 20 km at an altitude of up to 15 km. The Vigor uses improved localized training systems that are similar to the Russian Panzer S anti-air system, where instead of using the 30mm 2A38M cannons, it uses a Chinese copy of the AK-630 that is believed to be the HPJ-13 30mm cannons. The ammo tub used is optionally the same as the AK-630 and other rounds identical to systems such as the Russian Kalashnikov closing weapon system. However, according to some sources on the internet, China also developed both APDS and APFSDS rounds to the HPJ-13 cannons. The navigation system includes both a short radar on the top rear and a fire control radar at the bottom front. However, an optional electronic infrared sight can be mounted on top of the turret to provide a backup means for conducting fire control if needed. Currently, China has yet to put the Vigor into mass production. Though after the reveal of the Vigor, the Chinese military has shown great interest in the design, which has shown great results during testing.