HJ-12
| Industry | Defense, Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Hongjian-12 (HJ-12) anti-tank missile |
The Hongjian-12 () represents a third-generation, portable, fire-and-forget infrared homing Top-attack anti-tank missile engineered by China. Produced by Norinco, it made its debut at the Eurosatory 2014 event and has been in continuous production since that year. This system integrates sophisticated targeting capabilities, utilizing both an Optical sight and Thermal Imaging, which allow it to engage targets at distances up to during daylight and under nighttime conditions.
The missile itself has an approximate weight of , while the complete carrying system weighs around . It is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor. Its warhead features a tandem shaped charge HEAT design optimized for armor penetration via a top-attack trajectory. Guidance is achieved through a hybrid system combining infrared homing with a TV imaging contrast seeker, ensuring dependable target detection and engagement.
With an estimated unit cost near $18,000 (including a missile price of roughly $7,000), the HJ-12 stands as a competitive option within the portable anti-tank missile market. The design focuses on mobility, user-friendliness, and fire-and-forget functionality, making it a valuable tactical tool for contemporary infantry units.
History
The missile was initially presented at the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition, with subsequent upgrades revealed at later showcases. During the 2016 Airshow China, China North Industries Corporation introduced the HJ-12E export model, which featured redesigned control fins and updated rocket motors.
On 25 March 2020, Norinco confirmed its first export sale to Algeria. By July 2021, the HJ-12 had been officially adopted by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force, presumably utilizing the latest HJ-12E variant.
Design
Developed by Norinco as a contemporary third-generation anti-tank missile, the HJ-12 operates as a fire-and-forget weapon using lock-on before launch (LOBL) technology combined with a soft launch system that permits firing from enclosed spaces. Once fired, it autonomously tracks targets, allowing operators to seek cover or prepare for subsequent shots promptly. This fire-and-forget feature also reduces the number of personnel needed during combat operations.
The missile incorporates a dual-mode seeker integrating infrared and TV imaging technologies, enabling effective operation around the clock and in all weather conditions. Its tandem shaped charge warhead can defeat up to of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) after overcoming explosive reactive armor. The HJ-12 is capable of engaging armored vehicles, fortifications, helicopters, and small watercraft. For unarmored targets such as bunkers, alternative warheads with high-explosive or thermal effects can be equipped. When confronting tanks, it targets their more vulnerable top armor.
As China’s inaugural man-portable anti-tank missile system, the HJ-12 significantly boosts the People's Liberation Army Ground Force’s mobility and modernization efforts. It competes against Western counterparts like the FGM-148 Javelin and Spike. The missile is also marketed internationally to developing nations confronting third-generation main battle tanks; however, its relatively high price restricts its potential customer base.
Variants
- HJ-12
- Original model first introduced at Airshow China 2014.
- HJ-12E
- Export configuration of the HJ-12.
Users
See also
- Red Arrow series
- HJ-8 – wire-guided anti-tank missile system
- HJ-9 – beam-riding anti-tank missile system
- HJ-10 – fiber-optic wire-guided anti-tank missile system
- Comparable missile systems
- Related compilations