HQ-9 is not a copy of the S300. The HQ9 takes many technologies from the patriot. It actually takes the best from both the S300/Patriot series.
HQ9s range back in 2015 was up to 200km. Somehow people here are assuming Pakistan received a downgraded version. In Pakistans press release it specifically states the introduction of the HQ-9. If it was the FD-2000 why would they not say that?
Somehow Pakistan gets the best tanks, best avionics, best missiles, of the latest version that China has available. Yet some member here think that the PA will spend the little funds it has on downgraded or used systems
In all likely hood its the HQ9BE, which itself was ONLY MADE PUBLIC RECENTLY. This does not mean it was not available for sale in 2018....
Whether the range is 200km or 250km, it makes very little difference in a real war scenario. Sensors/electronics/AI make a huge difference.
For short range you could add anzas and crotales. For medium range their are LY-80 and Spada 2000 both in decent numbers.
In a real war setting I would not be surprised if most IAF/IA air assets where still shot down by short range missiles. Kargil is a perfect example.
Our gap was only in long range air defence.