Launchers of the FK-3 air defense system are displayed at a military airport in Batajnica, near Belgrade, Serbia, on April 30, 2022. Photo: VCG

The Serbian Ministry of Defense announced its deployment of the Chinese-made FK-3 mid-range air defense weapon system, emphasizing its advanced capabilities, news website Defence Blog reported on Thursday. A military expert told the Global Times that the FK-3 demonstrates robust combat capabilities and serves as a flagship export product in China's air and missile defense portfolio.

"By arming the Air Force and Air Defense with the new FK-3 air defense missile system, the airspace control and protection system has been significantly improved in the Republic of Serbia," the Serbian Ministry of Defense said in a recent statement. It said that the system comprises a command center vehicle, rocket launchers, radars, and logistics support vehicles.

The Serbian Ministry of Defense also released detailed images of the FK-3 from different angles, including its inclined launch mode.

According to the Serbian Ministry of Defense's statement, Captain 1st Class Stefan Manić, commander of the FK-3 missile battery, described the system as a "milestone in air defense systems."

The Defence Blog reported that the crews operating the FK-3 have undergone intensive training in China. Captain Manić acknowledged the training process as "very complex" but highlighted the dedication and motivation of the unit members. All unit members successfully completed comprehensive training, enabling them to independently operate and maintain the missile system, he said. 

The report noted that the FK-3 system's deployment aligns with Serbia's ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The system not only enhances Serbia's ability to safeguard its airspace but also reflects the strengthening defense ties between Serbia and China.

The FK-3 is the export version of the latest iteration of China's HQ-22 mid-range air defense missile system.

Serbia's then-deputy prime minister and minister of defense Milos Vucevic told the Global Times in an interview in October 2023 that the acquisition of the modern FK-3 anti-aircraft system "has provided added security to our airspace and our country as a whole."

A military expert told the Global Times on Friday that the FK-3 air defense missile combines strong overall combat capabilities with high cost efficiency. This type of air defense missile has wide applications, being versatile enough to conduct air defense missions for strategic locations as well as field operations. It is a flagship export product in China's air and missile defense system. 

"Because of the unique advantages of this type of missile, Serbia is displaying them to the public to demonstrate its robust air defense capabilities against potential threats," the expert said, stressing that China's arms export is mainly defensive in nature, and will not change the stability in the region.