QW-3

The QW-3 is a third-generation man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) developed by China. It features an infrared homing guidance system and is designed to engage low-flying aircraft and helicopters.

Developed by the China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation (CPMIEC) in the late 1990s, the QW-3 was created to overcome the vulnerability of traditional man-portable missiles to modern thermal countermeasures. It introduced a unique semi-active laser guidance system to track targets, making its public debut at the 2002 Zhuhai Airshow before entering service with the People's Liberation Army. While primarily utilized by Chinese forces, the system was also exported to international customers, including Indonesia for its air force's rapid reaction units. Today, the QW-3 remains in active service, frequently integrated onto mobile light-vehicle mounts to defend against cruise missiles and low-altitude precision-guided munitions.