YJ-21 Missile: ‘Hypersonic Dragon’ emerging from the sea, China’s new scary weapon is 6 times faster than sound
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The most surprising weapon that China showed in its Victory Day (V-Day) military parade was the YJ-21 missile. It is being called China’s ‘killer missile’. It travels six times faster than the speed of sound and attacks the target so fast that even the enemy’s air defense systems become ineffective. Along with the YJ-21, DF-17 and DF-26D were also seen in the parade. Together, these three became the biggest showcase of China’s hypersonic strike capability.
Specialty of YJ-21: Attack from both air and water
The YJ-21 is different from traditional hypersonic cruise missiles because it follows a ballistic flight path. That is, it first goes out of the atmosphere and then comes back at a speed of six to seven Mach (Mach 6-7) and attacks the target. This also increases its range and the terminal speed becomes so fast that it tears through the enemy’s air defense.
This missile is deployed on Chinese warships and the PLA Air Force also uses it in its H-6K and H-6N It can be fired from bomber aircraft. With the help of air-launch platform, YJ-21 can easily destroy high-value targets like enemy aircraft carriers.
Journey from DF-21D to YJ-21
Experts believe that YJ-21 is actually a derivative of DF-21D ASBM (Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile). DF-21D was made operational in 2010 and was first called a ‘carrier killer’. China has further advanced this technology and given hypersonic capability to YJ-21.
PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) considers it a part of its larger strategic plan A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial). Its purpose is to keep enemy fleets like American carrier strike groups away from China’s coastline and areas of its interests.
Weapons Exhibition: From Space to Sea
YJ-21 is not the only missile. It is part of China’s larger ecosystem in which Nuclear and diesel submarines, fighter jets, surface warships and satellite networks are also included. PLA is trying to surround the enemy at sea by integrating these weapons.
Features of YJ-21 (estimated)
- Although its technical information has been kept very secret, but according to defense analysts:
- Speed: Mach 6 to Mach 10
- Range: 1,200 to 1,500 km
- Warhead: High-explosive, no clarity on nuclear capability
- Guidance: INS + Active Radar or Infrared Seeker
- Length: 7-9 meters
- Weight: About 2000 kg
- Launch platform: Type 055 destroyer, Type 054B frigate, H-6N bomber
YJ-21 can be deployed in PLAN’s new universal VLS (Vertical Launch System) HT-1E. This means that the missile will not be limited to just island-based platforms but will also be used to attack China’s surface task force. Forces will also be able to use it flexibly.
Big threat for India and America!
The revelation of YJ-21 is a matter of concern for both India and America. India is currently working on hypersonic projects like Brahmos-II, but China is already deploying them. If this missile is deployed in the Indo-Pacific, it will pose a direct threat to the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers and large warships. This missile is also a challenge for America because its main target is considered to be American carrier groups. Defense systems like the US Navy’s SM-6 may also find it difficult to stop missiles coming at such a high speed.
