HJ-8
| Industry | Defense |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | HJ-8 anti-tank guided missile system and variants |
The HJ-8, also known as Hongjian-8 (), is a second-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system that is launched from a tube, guided by wire, and tracked optically. It was first introduced into service with the People's Liberation Army during the late 1980s.
Development
The concept for a successor to the HJ-73 armored missile was proposed by China's armored forces in 1970, eventually receiving approval under the designation AFT-8 or HJ-8. The development effort was a collaboration between Research Institute 203 and Factory 282 but encountered setbacks due to political instability. After the conclusion of the Cultural Revolution, lead engineers Wang Xingzhi (王兴治) and Zhao Jiazheng (赵家铮) finalized the design in the early 1980s. Following official government clearance, large-scale manufacturing commenced in 1984. The HJ-8 operates as an optically tracked, wire-guided ATGM using semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance.
Production of the HJ-8 and its variants is carried out by NORINCO's Factory 282 (Jiangnan Machine Factory), Factory 5618 (Hunan South China Photoelectricity Instrument Plant), as well as Pakistan’s Khan Research Laboratories, now under GIDS management.
Design
As China's first domestically developed anti-tank missile, the HJ-8 series is often compared to Western counterparts such as the US BGM-71 TOW and the Franco-German MILAN/Euromissile HOT. It features a tube-launched configuration with an optically tracked, wire-guided flight path and is equipped with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. Analysts observe that its design integrates components inspired by Western systems: the tripod resembles that of the US TOW; its tracker-control unit is modeled after MILAN; and the missile itself shares similarities with the UK’s Swingfire.
A range of improved variants, from HJ-8A through HJ-8H, incorporate progressive upgrades. The HJ-8E model, introduced in the mid-1990s, weighs approximately 24.5 kg, extends operational reach to 4,000 meters, and is capable of defeating explosive reactive armor (ERA). Its penetration capability ranges between 800 and 1100 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) at zero degrees impact angle, decreasing to over 180 mm at a 68-degree angle.
Engineered for precision and dependability, the HJ-8 serves as a standard weapon on PLA helicopter gunships such as the Z-9W, Mi-17, and Gazelle, effectively replacing older systems like the Euromissile HOT.
Turret launch platform
NORINCO developed the SW-1 one-person turret specifically as an armored vehicle launch platform for the HJ-8 missile. Constructed entirely from welded steel, this turret weighs approximately 1,750 kg and is adaptable for installation on various tracked or wheeled combat vehicles. It provides protection against 0.50 caliber armor-piercing rounds at close distances (around 100 meters), with additional defense offered by supplementary armor modules. The turret allows full 360-degree rotation and elevation angles ranging from -40 to +60 degrees. Its fire-control system, internally housed within the turret, is based on technology from the HJ-8H variant.
Armament on the SW-1 includes four HJ-8H ATGMs mounted primarily at the rear on each side of the turret. Secondary weapons consist of a 30 mm main cannon accompanied by a coaxial 0.30 caliber machine gun. The main gun can fire up to six rounds per second with selectable automatic firing modes. It reportedly engages ground targets effectively up to 4 kilometers and aerial targets up to 2 kilometers away. Meanwhile, the HJ-8H missiles are capable of striking both ground and low-flying slow-moving aerial threats at distances reaching 4 kilometers. An unmanned follow-up version weighing approximately 1.4 tons has entered service in China, designed by Wu Lixin (吴立辛). This remotely operated model was initially trialed using HJ-73C ATGMs and carries an ammunition load of 160 rounds for its 30 mm cannon.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In early 1993, Pakistan supplied the Bosnian government forces with the Baktar-Shikan version of the HJ-8. Bosniak troops utilized this missile system during their 1993 offensive, effectively neutralizing Serb armored vehicles.
Sri Lanka
During its struggle against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Sri Lanka Army procured HJ-8 missiles from China. These missiles were mainly employed to demolish LTTE fortifications and bunkers. Notably, in the 2009 Battle of Mullaitivu, the Sri Lankan military also deployed HJ-8s against fast attack boats operated by the LTTE’s naval faction, known as the Sea Tigers.
Syria
Since June 2013, footage has surfaced showing Free Syrian Army insurgents utilizing HJ-8 missiles to successfully destroy Syrian Arab Army T-72 tanks.
Iraq
Beginning in December 2014, Peshmerga forces fighting against ISIL have been documented using HJ-8 missiles, likely sourced from ISIL’s own arsenals. The missile may have played a role in disabling an Iraqi Army M1 Abrams tank during the Battle of Altun Kupri.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s variant, Bhaktar Shikan, has been widely employed against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants throughout Operation Zarb-e-Azb, primarily targeting insurgent hideouts and cave complexes. Reports also indicate its use against Indian Army bunkers along the Line of Control amid border clashes.
Gaza Strip
On June 24, 2024, the Izz Adin al-Qassam Brigades released footage depicting their forces striking an Israeli Defence Force Namer APC engineering model equipped with a CARPET thermobaric mine-clearing system using an HJ-8 missile. The strike caused a fire inside the vehicle. This event marked the first confirmed use of the HJ-8 by Al-Qassam Brigades, although other Chinese-made arms have been noted previously in the area.
Later, on August 1, 2024, Al-Qassam Brigades published additional video evidence showing an HJ-8 missile successfully hitting an Israeli Namer APC from its flank, bypassing its Trophy active protection system.
Variants
Launchers:
- HJ-8 – The original model featuring a reported 90% probability of kill.
- HJ-8A – Initial upgrade with improved armor penetration and extended range up to 4 km.
- HJ-8B – Helicopter-adapted version offering enhanced penetration and a range of 5.3 km.
- HJ-8C – Equipped with a tandem-charge warhead designed to defeat explosive reactive armor (ERA); later versions compatible with multiple platforms.
- HJ-8D – Advanced model incorporating tandem charge technology.
- HJ-8E – Improved variant based on HJ-8B/C featuring a new rocket motor, effective range of 4 km, and a digitized fire-control system with thermal imaging for all-weather day-night use; weighs 24.5 kg and counters ERA.
- HJ-8F – Fitted with an anti-bunker warhead.
- HJ-8FAE – Uses a thermobaric warhead for enhanced blast effect.
- HJ-8L – Lightweight design (22.5 kg) developed following lessons from the Bosnian conflict; supports two missile types with ranges of 3 km and 4 km respectively; incorporates advanced microelectronics and composite materials for improved portability.
- HJ-8H – Upgraded HJ-8E adopting fire-control and lightweight launcher features from HJ-8L; new missile capable of engaging ground targets at distances up to 6 km and low-speed aerial targets up to 4 km.
- HJ-8S – Variant armed with an anti-ship warhead.
- Baktar-Shikan – Produced under license in Pakistan by Khan Research Laboratories; modular design allows easy disassembly for transport. Installed on APCs and helicopters including AH-1 Cobra gunships. Exported to Bangladesh and Malaysia boasting a 90% hit rate at 3 km distance. In 2016, GIDS showcased a multi-launcher station. Training simulators replicate operational scenarios to improve operator skills. A laser aiming device is under development to enhance long-range precision. Pakistan manufactured 26,350 units between 1990 and 2022.
- HJ-11 (also known as AFT-11) – Introduced in 2014 and publicly unveiled in 2017; an evolution of the HJ-8 featuring semi-active laser guidance combined with laser beam riding technology. Marketed by Norinco as a third-generation ATGM, it entered service in 2018 as a cost-effective alternative to the HJ-12 system.
Mounted platforms:
- BJ212 HJ-8: The HJ-8 launcher installed on Beijing BJ212 vehicles for mobile anti-tank operations.
- BJ2020 HJ-8E: Integration of the HJ-8E launcher onto Beijing BJ2020 vehicles to enhance battlefield mobility.
- CSK-181 AFT-11 Carrier: Deployment of AFT-11 (HJ-11) launchers on Dongfeng Mengshi CSK-181 MRAP assault vehicles, facilitating rapid deployment of advanced anti-tank guided missiles.
Operators
- – Acquired in 2000 with 114 units delivered in 2001; an additional 172 Baktar-Shikan models supplied by Pakistan between 2004 and 2005.
- – Received 500 HJ-8 missiles in 2003.
- – Provided by Pakistan as aid during the Yugoslav Wars.
- – Inventory includes 367 units.
- – Holds 264 units.
- – Utilized by Peshmerga.
- – Maintains a stock of 450 units.
- – Operates HJ-8L variant with a count of 367.
- – Manufactures locally under license as Baktar-Shikan; SIPRI records indicate production of approximately 26,350 units from 1990 through 2022.
- – Possesses around 310 units.
- – Licensed production under the name Sarib by Military Industries Corporation; some Chinese-origin missiles have been seized by Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North.
- – Employed by various insurgent groups and the Syrian Army; supplied from external sources.
Non-State actors
See also
- Related developments
- Comparable systems
- Associated lists