HQ-16C Chinese Naval Medium-Range Air Defence Missile

The HQ-16C is a further modification of the HQ-16B medium-range air defence missile, displayed at the Chinese military parade in September 2025. The missile features larger control surfaces compared to earlier variants. It is operational on Type 054A frigates, and presumably also on the newer Type 054B frigates. Analysis (Naval News, Sep 2025): The HQ-16C may incorporate a new motor. The Western equivalent in role is the RIM-162 ESSM. Detailed official footage of the system from the parade does not exist as media coverage skipped over it.