Airshow China: Controversial cruise missile breaks cover
A new cruise missile named the CX-1 garnered attention and courted controversy at Airshow China in Zhuhai.
A supersonic product from the 1st Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the missile was likely developed using technology related to Yakhont cruise missiles that were obtained by China in the wake of the Soviet Union’s collapse.
The reason the CX-1 caused such a flurry is that the joint Indo-Russian BrahMos missile was also originally based on Yakhont technology, helping to explain the two types’ uncanny resemblance.
However, what is angering both Russia and India is that China is
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
Air defence at scale: Europe’s challenge of cost, integration and sustainability
The evolution of aerial threats is driving renewed investment in ground-based air defence across Europe. Yet beyond capability, a more pressing challenge is emerging: how to sustain air defence at scale, as rising costs, limited stockpiles and industrial production constraints place increasing pressure on existing structures.
-
Eurosatory 2026: new and improved vehicles and counter-drone technology foreshadowed
Eurosatory is the world’s largest defence show with more than 2,000 exhibitors listed and more than 43,000 visitors expected, as the show expands to a floorspace of 185,000m². Uncrewed systems and effectors to defeat them, as well as 4x4 vehicles, are all set to be focal points at the event.
-
The path to a safer future – why technological innovation is key to successful mine clearance
Landmines continue to present a persistent and constantly evolving global threat, and advances in technology are improving how the challenges posed by minefields are managed, while reducing risks to human life. The growing capabilities of autonomous and robotic systems, coupled with advanced sensor capabilities, are now fuelling industry’s responses to this pervasive danger.
-
The science of soldier safety: How Team Wendy Is reinventing the modern military helmet
When soldiers head into the field, the helmet on their head can mean the difference between life and death. But while helmets may look simple from the outside, the technology inside them is anything but. Few companies illustrate this better than Team Wendy, whose newest bump helmet — the RECON™ Tactical — shows just how far modern head protection has come.
-
South American MBTs: upgrades and payload modernisation could shape procurement paths
While South American geopolitics are complicated, the likelihood of inter-state warfare is low, calling into question the future of the venerable main battle tank.
-
Ukraine and NATO look to industry to boost capability plans
The Ukraine-Russia war has highlighted the force-multiplying capability of innovation and adaptation of industry and individual companies. NATO is attempting to introduce this flexibility while Ukraine is accelerating these efforts and looking for industrial support.