Chad Receives Chinese-made FK-2000 Air Defense Systems from U.A.E.

Chad has reportedly received two Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense systems as part of military support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming to enhance its air defense capabilities.

According to reports, the systems were purchased by the U.A.E. from China and subsequently transferred to Chad.

Officials from Chad’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the receipt of the air defense systems to SavunmaSanayiST.com, though they have not disclosed specific details regarding the number or exact type of the systems delivered. “We confirm the delivery from the U.A.E., but we are not sharing details,” a source stated.

The FK-2000 air defense system is developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). It is designed to counter a broad spectrum of airborne threats, such as aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Often compared to the Russian-made Pantsir-S1 system, the FK-2000 is mounted on a wheeled chassis and combines 12 ground-to-air missiles and two 30mm automatic cannons for layered defense.

The FK-2000 system’s radar is capable of detecting targets in all weather conditions, both day and night, with an engagement range from 1.2 to 25 kilometers. Its maximum altitude capacity reaches 12 kilometers, providing comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the system includes an unmanned turret equipped with radar and can be optionally integrated with an electro-optical infrared targeting system for enhanced fire control.

The U.A.E. has a history of providing military support to regional partners, including past deliveries of weapons systems from various suppliers. Notably, during the ongoing civil conflict in Libya, the U.A.E. facilitated the delivery of Russian-made Pantsir-S1 systems mounted on MAN trucks to groups involved in the fighting.