New Chinese ship-launched ballistic missile breaks cover
This is a screengrab of the launch of the launch of an YJ-21 anti-ship ballistic missile from the PLAN’s newly commissioned Type 055 cruiser Wuxi. (PLAN)
Chinese naval capability has taken another important step forward with the fielding of the world's first ship-launched anti-ship ballistic missile.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) released a video clip on 19 April that depicted a hitherto unknown missile being fired from a Type 055 guided-missile cruiser. Likely an anti-ship ballistic missile, analysts refer to it as the YJ-21.
The firing from the active-duty ship Wuxi (pennant number ‘104’), commissioned in Qingdao just last month, indicates the missile is almost certainly in service.
In the video clip, the missile can be seen to have small fins and a biconic nose. It was cold-launched from the stern VLS.
No specifications are known, although it appears that the weapon is what was previously
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
