On May 4, 2025, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces officially unveiled the integration of two new Chinese-made air defense systems: the QW-3 Vanguard man-portable surface-to-air missile and the TH-S311 “Smart Com-Smart Hunter” command and control system. The event featured a display of QW-3 launchers along with the radar and command components of the TH-S311 system.
The QW-3 is a third-generation, infrared-guided missile system comparable to the U.S.-made FIM-92 Stinger or the Russian 9K38 Igla. It is capable of engaging targets up to 3,000 meters in altitude, with an operational range of 5 to 6 kilometers. Unlike other Chinese MANPADS, the QW-3 uses semi-active laser guidance derived from the AGM-114 Hellfire missile, featuring a gyrostabilized seeker that enhances its accuracy against low-flying cruise missiles and terrain-hugging helicopters.
The key innovation lies in integrating the missile system into a broader, interconnected command network. The TH-S311 is a mobile digital platform, mountable on vehicles, designed to manage air defense operations in real time. It provides tactical situational awareness and processes targeting data, allowing for instant coordination between QW-3 operators deployed across various sectors. This approach transforms each unit into a node within a tactical network capable of responding swiftly to aerial incursions, particularly relevant in an era marked by rapid airstrikes and drone swarms.