US defense contractor Torch Technologies is building full-scale replicas of China’s HQ-22 surface-to-air missile system for US Air Force (USAF) training. The Alabama-based firm confirmed the replicas will not be functional but will accurately replicate the system’s appearance, radar profile, heat emissions, and battlefield behavior to better prepare aircrews and electronic warfare teams.
According to the company, the goal is to create realistic training conditions for service members without exposing them to the dangers of operating live foreign weaponry. Specific details, including the number of units, delivery schedule, deployment sites, and cost, remain undisclosed.
This is not the first time the USAF has incorporated Chinese air defense system replicas into its training. In July 2025, a copy of the HQ-16 medium-range missile system was displayed at the AirVenture event in Wisconsin. The HQ-16 replica was intended to train fifth-generation fighter pilots in identifying and countering advanced threats.
Comparable to the US Patriot and Russian S-300, the HQ-22 is a long-range air defense system capable of engaging aircraft, drones, and ballistic or cruise missiles at distances of up to 170 kilometers. Its export variant, the FK-3, has been adopted by Serbia, marking its entry into the European defense market.
