Chinese FN-16 MANPADS have been spotted in service with Ukrainian units. The systems appeared in photos of soldiers from the anti-aircraft battalion of the 160th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, published by the unit’s press service.

The FN-16 is the export version of the Chinese QW-2 system. It is designed to hit low-flying targets, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones. These systems have been exported abroad and are in service with a number of countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The appearance of Chinese MANPADS in Ukrainian hands looks especially notable against the backdrop of Beijing’s official position. China declares neutrality in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, denies supplying weapons to the combat zone and insists that it does not transfer arms to either side.

How exactly the FN-16 systems ended up in Ukraine remains unclear. Among the versions being discussed are the possible diversion of systems from shipments that may have originally gone through Iran for Yemen’s Houthis, or purchases through front companies on the global black arms market.

However, the origin of the systems does not change the central fact: the FN-16 is already being used by Ukrainian air defense. Ukraine has also claimed that these Chinese MANPADS were allegedly used earlier to shoot down a Kalibr missile.