Airshow China 2024: China displays new, upgraded long-range radars

China has unveiled two new long-range radars – the 780 target designator radar, and the 610A intelligence radar system. The radars will support the PLA Air Force's Hong Qi-19 (HQ-19) surface-to-air missile system. (AFP via Getty Images)

China showcased several new long-range radars, and upgraded versions of existing long-range radars at the Airshow China 2024 exhibition held in Zhuhai from 12 to 17 November.

These radars are expected to augment the People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) situational awareness (SA), and support air-defence systems.

New radars

Some of the new long-range radars unveiled at the exhibition include the 780 target designator radar, 610A intelligence radar system, and the YLC-2E multifunction radar.

The 780 and 610A are mobile radar systems. Open-source images show that these radars are displayed inside the exhibition centre, and are also part of the outdoor display of platforms arranged by the PLA, indicating that these systems are very likely already in service with the PLA.

Janes analysis of open-source images of the 780 and 610A suggest that they are active electronically scanned array (AESA) type radars.

The 780 is used in conjunction with the 610A to support the PLA Air Force's (PLAAF's) Hong Qi-19 (HQ-19) surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The HQ-19 was unveiled on 12 November on the opening day of the Airshow China 2024 exhibition.

An information board about the 780 radar displayed next to the system at the exhibition states that this radar is a “newly developed fourth-generation” phased-array radar for air defence and anti-missile operations.