HJ-12
{{Short description|Chinese-made portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name=HJ-12
|image=Red Arrow 12 launcher at IDEX 2017.jpg
|image_size=300px
|caption=Red Arrow-12 mockup at IDEX 2017
|type=Anti-tank missile
Surface-to-surface missile
Surface-to-air missile
|origin=China
|is_ranged=
|is_explosive=yes
|is_missile=yes
|is_UK=no
|service= 2020–present
|used_by=See {{section link||Users}}
|wars=
|designer=
|design_date=
|manufacturer=Norinco
|unit_cost=$18,000 (missile: $7,000){{cite news |title=China Unveils Red Arrow-12 Anti-Tank Missile System |url=https://www.aljundi.ae/en/new-weapons/china-unveils-red-arrow-12-anti-tank-missile-system/ |work=Al Jundi Journal |publisher=Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates |date=1 November 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240528190740/https://www.aljundi.ae/en/new-weapons/china-unveils-red-arrow-12-anti-tank-missile-system/ |archive-date=28 May 2024}}
|production_date=2014–present
|number=
|variants=
|spec_label=
|mass={{convert|22|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (carry weight)
{{convert|17|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (missile)
{{convert|5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (IIR/EO targeting sight){{cite magazine|last1=Lin|first1=Jeffrey |last2=Singer |first2=P. W.|author-link2=P. W. Singer|date=10 July 2014|title=For Sale: A New Chinese Tank-Killer?|url=http://www.popsci.com/blog-network/eastern-arsenal/sale-new-chinese-tank-killer |magazine=Popular Science|access-date=10 June 2022}}
|length=Missile: {{convert|0.98|m|ft|abbr=on}}
Launch tube: {{convert|1.2|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|part_length=
|width=
|height=
|diameter=Missile: {{convert|13.5|cm|in|abbr=on}}
Launch tube: {{convert|17|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|crew=
|cartridge=
|caliber=
|barrels=
|action=
|rate=
|velocity=
|range={{convert|4000|m|mi|abbr=on}} (daytime)
{{convert|2000|m|mi|abbr=on}} (nighttime)
|max_range=
|feed=
|sights=Optical sight & Thermal Imaging
|filling=Tandem shaped charge HEAT
|filling_weight=
|detonation=Impact force
|yield=
|armour=
|primary_armament=
|secondary_armament=
|engine=Solid fuel rocket
|engine_power=
|pw_ratio=
|payload_capacity=
|transmission=
|suspension=
|clearance=
|fuel_capacity=
|vehicle_range=
|speed=
|guidance=Infrared homing, TV imaging
}}
The Hongjian-12 ({{zh|s=红箭-12|p=Hóng Jiàn-12|l=Red Arrow-12}}) is a third generation, man-portable, fire-and-forget infrared homing Top-attack anti-tank missile of China. It was unveiled at the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition.{{cite web |date=9 July 2014 |title=Defense Industry of China unveils Red Arrow 12 HJ-12 man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile |url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/july_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/defense_industry_of_china_unveils_red_arrow_12_hj-12_man-portable_fire-and-forget_anti-tank_missile_.html |website=Army Recognition |access-date=9 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722044746/http://www.armyrecognition.com/july_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/defense_industry_of_china_unveils_red_arrow_12_hj-12_man-portable_fire-and-forget_anti-tank_missile_.html |archive-date=22 July 2014}}
History
The missile was first showcased on the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition. Subsequent modifications and improvements were showcased in the following exhibitions. At Airshow China 2016, China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) unveiled HJ-12E, the export variant with new control fins and rocket motors.{{cite web|date=4 August 2021|title=红箭12还未大量普及？专克西方三代坦克软肋，无奈HJ73存货太多了 |url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/GGI7KBLI055271RE.html |website=NetEase News |language=zh |access-date=10 June 2022}}
On 25 March 2020, Norinco announced its first successful export order to Algeria.{{cite web|last=Arthur|first=Gordon |date=30 March 2020|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/china-exports-first-hj-12-atgms/ |title=China exports first HJ-12 ATGMs |website=Shephard Media |access-date=10 June 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Olander |first=Eric |date=2020-07-22 |title=The Algerian Army is the First Customer for China’s New Shoulder-Mounted HJ-12 Anti-Missile System |url=https://chinaglobalsouth.com/2020/07/22/the-algerian-army-is-the-first-customer-for-chinas-new-shoulder-mounted-hj-12-anti-missile-system/ |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=The China-Global South Project |language=en-US}}
In July 2021, the HJ-12 was incorporated into People's Liberation Army Ground Force service. The PLA service version is likely based on the latest HJ-12E variant.
Design
File:Red Arrow 12 missile at IDEX 2017.jpg
The HJ-12 is a modern, third generation anti-tank missile developed by Norinco. The HJ-12 is a fire-and-forget system utilising lock-on before launch (LOBL) and is capable of being fired within buildings and bunkers due to its soft launch system. Once launched, it will home autonomously onto its target, allowing the operator to immediately take cover or reload to engage another target. Its fire-and-forget technology will reduce the number of anti-tank operators needed on a battlefield. The missile is capable of day/night all-weather operation with its infrared homing, TV imaging dual-mode seeker. The warhead uses a tandem shaped charge design with an estimated penetration capability of up to {{convert|1100|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) after penetrating explosive reactive armour. The guided missile is capable of engaging armoured vehicles, fortifications, helicopters and boats.{{cite web|title=HJ-12 |url=http://www.military-today.com/missiles/hj_12.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220406222745/http://www.military-today.com/missiles/hj_12.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=6 April 2022 |website=Military-Today.com|access-date=10 June 2022}} When facing non-armoured point targets, bunkers and fortifications, the missile can be fitted with either high-explosive or thermal effect warheads. When engaging enemy tanks and armoured vehicles, the HJ-12 aims to destroy the top of its targets, the more vulnerable point.{{cite web|date=13 November 2014|title=China unveils man portable copy of the Israeli Spike and US Javelin missile |url=http://defense-update.com/20141113_china-unveils-man-portable-copy-of-the-israeli-spike-and-us-javelin-missile.html|website=Defense Update |access-date=10 June 2022}}
The HJ-12 is China's first portable anti-tank missile, increasing the ability of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force to have more modern and mobile infantry forces. It is intended to enable China to match up with anti-tank missile developments made by Western defence companies, like the FGM-148 Javelin and Spike. The missile is also available for export to armies in developing countries that would need to contend with third-generation main battle tanks, but the number of potential buyers is likely small due to its higher cost.{{cite web|date=26 August 2014|title=Anti-tank weapon to bolster PLA capability|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/anti-tank_weapon_to_bolster_pla_capability.html |website=Army Recognition |access-date=10 June 2022}}
Variants
;HJ-12
:Base variant, first unveiled in Airshow China 2014.
;HJ-12E
:Export designation for HJ-12{{cite web|date=31 March 2020|title=China's Norinco announces first export of HJ-12E ATGW system |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/2020/05/15/98cc56c7-c816-4ba2-8335-29689571b28d |website=Janes |access-date=10 June 2022}}
Users
- {{flag|China}}
- People's Liberation Army Ground Force{{cite web|date=26 July 2021|title=Chinese Army man-portable HJ-12 antitank missile inducted in Tibet|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2021_global_security_army_industry/chinese_army_man-portable_hj-12_antitank_missile_inducted_in_tibet.html |website=Army Recognition |access-date=10 June 2022}}{{cite web|last1=Dominguez|first1=Gabriel |last2=Kotlarski|first2=Amael |date=26 July 2021|title=Image suggests HJ-12 ATGW is in service with PLA's Tibet Military Command |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/image-suggests-hj-12-atgw-is-in-service-with-plas-tibet-military-command |website=Janes |access-date=10 June 2022}}
- {{flag|Algeria}}
- Algerian People's National Army{{cite web|date=31 July 2020|title=China delivers HJ-12 Red Arrow anti-tank guided missile weapon systems to Algeria |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2020_global_security_army_industry/china_delivers_hj-12_red_arrow_anti-tank_guide_missile_weapon_systems_to_algeria.html |website=Army Recognition |access-date=2022-01-25}}{{cite web |title=Trade Registers |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/arms_trade/trade_register.php |website=sipri.org |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=30 January 2022 |archive-date=5 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805014045/http://armstrade.sipri.org/arms_trade/trade_register.php |url-status=dead }}
- {{flag|Indonesia}}
- PT Pindad and Norinco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the Development of Anti-tank Guided Missile Technology on November 7, 2022{{Cite web |title=PT. Pindad (Persero) - PT PINDAD TANDATANGANI MOU DENGAN NORINCO TERKAIT ATGM |url=https://pindad.com/pt-pindad-tandatangani-mou-dengan-norinco-terkait-atgm |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=pindad.com}}
- {{flag|Nigeria}}
- Nigerian Armed Forces{{cite web |date=9 April 2020 |title=China exports first HJ-12 ATGM to Nigeria |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2020/04/09/china-exports-first-hj-12-atgm-to-nigeria/ |website=Global Defense Corp|access-date=10 June 2022}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2022}}
See also
;Red Arrow development
- 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 systems
- {{lwc|Akeron MP}}
- {{lwc|AT-1K Raybolt}}
- {{lwc|FGM-148 Javelin}}
- {{lwc|NLAW}}
- {{lwc|OMTAS}}
- {{lwc|Spike (missile)|Spike}}
- {{lwc|Type 01 LMAT}}
;Related lists
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|HJ-12}}
- [https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/hj-12.htm Hongjian-12 / HJ-12 anti-tank missile] at GlobalSecurity.org
{{Norinco|state=expanded}}
{{Modern Chinese Infantry Weapons}}
{{Chinese Missiles|state=collapsed}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hj-12}}
Category:Anti-tank guided missiles of the People's Republic of China
Category:Fire-and-forget weapons