Pak to produce a modified version of Qiang Wei-2 missiles

LONDON: Pakistan is geared up to produce a modified version of the Chinese Qiang Wei-2 man-portable surface-to-air missile system known locally as the Anza Mk III, the Jane's Defence Weekly has reported.

Development of the system has been facilitated by transfer of Chinese technology, including thermal-imaging and infra-red night-vision system technology, the Jane's Defence Weekly stated.

Citing photographic evidence, it said Pakistan has made several modifications to the system, probably to conform to local requirements and operational use with the Pakistani armed forces.

One such major modification is the firing unit, or 'grip-stock', which in the Pakistani version seems more modern and of the type associated with the Russian Igla missile, as opposed to the Chinese firing unit, which is of the type normally associated with the Russian Strela man-portable SAM.

The Igla system is known to contain circuitry that enhances the weapon's engagement capabilities.