The Anza is a family of Pakistani-produced man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), developed by the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) and Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL). It represents Pakistan’s indigenous effort to provide its armed forces with a reliable and cost-effective short-range air defense capability. The Anza series is based on Chinese designs, particularly the HN-5B and QW-1 Vanguard. The series includes several variants, with each successive model featuring significant improvements in guidance, range, and counter-countermeasure capabilities. The Anza Mk-I, the first variant, is a tail-chase missile with an uncooled infrared homing seeker, making it effective against slow-moving, low-flying targets. The Anza Mk-II introduced a cooled indium antimonide (InSb) seeker, providing an all-aspect attack capability and improved resistance to flares. The latest version, the Anza Mk-III, is a more advanced MANPADS with a dual-band infrared homing seeker, giving it enhanced resistance to flares and better performance against modern aircraft. The Anza Mk-III has a longer range and a more powerful warhead compared to its predecessors. All Anza variants are designed to be operated by a single soldier, making them ideal for providing air defense for forward-deployed infantry units, special forces, and key installations. The missile is launched from a shoulder-fired tube and is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor.
- Type: Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS)
- Guidance: Infrared homing seeker (variants feature cooled and dual-band seekers)
- Engagement Range: 500 m to 6 km (Mk-III)
- Flight Altitude: 10 m to 4 km
- Weight: Approximately 18 kg (missile and launcher for Mk-III)
- Warhead: High-Explosive (HE) fragmentation warhead
- Key Features: Indigenous production, all-aspect attack capability (Mk-II & Mk-III), and high portability.
