Recent photographs from eastern DR Congo have revealed a Chinese Yitian self-propelled air defense system in the hands of pro-Rwandan M23 rebels. The most likely explanation for its appearance is a transfer from Rwanda.

The Yitian, also known as the Tianlong 6, is built on a 6×6 WZ-551 chassis manufactured by NORINCO. It is equipped with eight modified short-range TY-90 missiles (range: 300 m to 6 km, maximum altitude: 4 km), a multifunctional phased-array radar for targeting, and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun for self-defense.

The presence of such a system significantly boosts M23’s anti-air capabilities, creating greater challenges for government forces. The threat now comes not only from man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) but also from more powerful surface-to-air missile platforms.