CHINA HN-5 SAMs were almost purchased by Philippine Army

We have just learned that China Army officers have gone to see their colleagues in the Philippine Army recently. The view of the two would-be protagonists reminded us of a story when China, some 20 years ago, were selling their wares to anyone and everyone that would buy them -- at a very low price. One of their clients would have been the Philippine Army.

Shown HN-5 (Hongying 5), the shoulder-fired fire-and-forget SAMs that China wanted the Philippines to buy ;-) and fortunately did not... ;-)

In 1988-89, the Philippine Army was desperate for some kind of device that could ward of attacks from the air. It was a time when Pres. Cory Aquino's government was under threat from military rebels. China offered to sell HN-5, a derivative of then Russia's SAM-7 of the fire and forget variety (and China's answer to US Stinger). HN-5, which China then boasted to have a 5km range, was not a very good missile at all; we were sure the darn thing might not even fire properly. Probably no better than your sophisticated firecrackers.

In fact, we were convinced that the HN was a product of reverse technology but it was very cheap -- some 200$ a piece. Nevertheless, because the Philippine Army was desperate for some kind of missile gadget, by 1992, the PA Weapons Board had recommended its purchase. The recommendation was approved by then CGPA and a recommendation for approval to purchase was forthwith sent through proper channels: to AFP GHQ which, if they had approved, would have been sent to Malacanang which was the final approving authority (the process was very much different then than today)...

Fortunately, the request did not make it and the Army was not able to get the 'glorified Chinese firecrackers.' Today, the bleeding Chinese are producing ICBMs. China is really going places in terms of sophisiticated military technology, aren't they? Watch out for China military armaments salesmen... they might already be down south selling their explosive devices to the rebels in Mindanao.
  -- By Admins, Defenders of Philippine Sabah and Spratly Claims 17 Nov 12