Lethality of DF-21D anti-ship missile revealed
Designed specifically to destroy US aircraft carriers, the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) is one of China’s key anti-access area denial weapons. However, how it would work exactly has been a matter of debate since it reached initial operating capacity in 2010.
China is the first country to develop an ASBM after it modified the standard road-mobile DF-21 medium-range ballistic missile.
Now China’s military appears more than capable of penetrating an aircraft carrier’s battlespace with a combination of air-, submarine- and surface ship-launched anti-ship YJ-series cruise missiles, not to forget the varieties of torpedoes available to its submarine force. Of particular
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems]()
Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems
Air defence systems are continuing to appear top of countries’ shopping lists but broadly across different capabilities it is a sellers’ market, as demonstrated by backlogs and double-digit percentage point growth.
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
