Chinese FN-16 portable anti-aircraft missile systems ended up in the hands of the Ukrainian Armed Forces through third countries, military expert Viktor Litovkin told Gazeta. Ru. According to him, Ukraine buys such weapons from Asian and European states that had previously received them from China.

Litovkin said China could supply these systems to countries such as Pakistan, after which Pakistan could sell them to Ukraine. He also pointed to a possible European route: China could sell the systems to Croatia, and from there they could be transferred to Ukraine.

The issue arose after the Telegram channel Voyenny Osvedomitel reported on May 14 that Chinese-made FN-16 MANPADS had been seen in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The photo showed an anti-aircraft gunner with a Chinese FN-16 system used by the 160th Mechanized Brigade.

The FN-16 is a third-generation MANPADS designed to destroy low-flying aircraft and helicopters. Its missile has an infrared homing head, an estimated target-hit probability of about 70%, and a maximum range of six kilometers.