HJ-8E

Description: The HJ-8 is a semi-active wire-guided anti-tank missile developed by NORINCO for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the 1980s. This anti-tank weapon system can be launched from ground vehicles and helicopters or by infantrymen. Overall, the HJ-8 can be deemed as the Chinese counterpart to US TOW missile system. The HJ-8 entered service with the PLA in the late 1980s. Baktar Shikan is a version produced under license in Pakistan. In the mid-1990s, the PLA introduced an improved version known as HJ-8E featuring increased range, improved accuracy and tandem warhead.

The HJ-8E missile weighs 11.2 kg, has a maximum range of 4,000 meters and a piercing in armor capability of 1,000mm. The missile flies to its designated target at high subsonic speeds. The man-portable version of the HJ-8 weapon system is heavier than its Western and Russian counterparts. The HJ-8L is a follow-on version which features a lighter tripod launcher and increased piercing in armor ability. The US Intelligence reported that the Red Arrow 8E/HJ-8E missile had been selected for the Z-10 attack helicopter in development for the PLA.