China develops new lightweight air defense vehicle

China’s state-owned land systems manufacturer Norinco has developed a compact, lightweight Yitian air-defence vehicle built on a 4×4 off-road Yema chassis.

The system pairs an armored vehicle for the crew compartment with launchers modified for TY-90–type missiles intended to intercept low- and ultra-low-altitude helicopters, unmanned aircraft and high-speed cruise missiles.

The Yitian is designed for high mobility and easy operation. The launcher and fire-control suite is based on a modified Yema 4×4 chassis, enabling off-road deployment from dispersed and littoral sites where larger systems cannot operate. NORINCO says the package was specifically configured to meet the demands of short-range air defence in complex terrain and congested littoral areas.

A key feature of the Yitian is its small crew requirement. The system is operated by a two-person crew and can be driven and controlled using joysticks and an interface NORINCO describes as intuitive. That control scheme is presented as a way to reduce training time and allow operators to manage the vehicle and weapons in constrained conditions.

The missiles used on the vehicle are modified derivatives of the TY-90 air-to-air missile family, adapted for ground launch. NORINCO says the warhead for the ground-launched variant weighs about 3 kilograms (roughly 6.6 pounds) and is engineered to produce an effect on rotary-wing aircraft that can sever rotor blades or disable airframes with a single hit. The company adds that the missile offers omnidirectional engagement capability, meaning it can intercept targets approaching from any bearing.

NORINCO positions the Yitian as a counter to a growing range of low-observable, low-altitude threats for the export market. The firm states the system is intended to engage rotorcraft, small and large drones operating at very low flight levels, and high-speed cruise missiles on terminal approach.