trib logo
ad-image
ad-image

China showcases new anti-ship ballistic missile; Now, 7 ASBMs threaten U.S. Navy

At the Nov. 8 Zhuhai Airshow, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) revealed its CM-103 anti ship ballistic missile that can be launched from ship vertical launch systems.

FPI / November 11, 2022

Geostrategy-Direct

By Richard Fisher

At China’s biannual Zhuhai Airshow, this year from Nov. 8 to 12, China’s missile makers displayed new anti-ship ballistic missiles intended to threaten United States Navy ships that may come to the aid of Taiwan should China invade the island democracy.

Perhaps the most dramatic new missile capability revealed by China is a new air launched ballistic missile (ALBM), two of which are displayed being carried by a Xian Aircraft Corporation H-6K bomber.

The maker and designation of this missile are as of yet unknown, but the missile appears to be based on a second-generation short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) produced by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) or the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).

In its air launched version, this missile could have a range of up to 600 kilometers, perhaps close to the range of current U.S. Navy air defense missiles, and its high vertical attack speed would complicate interception.

This would be the PLA’s second air-launched ballistic missile, starting with the 2,000 km range CASIC DF-21D based missile carried by the H-6N bomber.

As it is possible that an H-6K could carry four of these missiles, a Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) unit of 24 H-6ks could fire up to 96 of these missiles at U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and supporting ships.

CASC revealed a detailed model of its YJ-21 anti-ship ballistic missile small enough to be launched by the Vertical Launch System (VLS) of most PLA Navy surface warships.

Full Text . . . . Current Edition . . . . Subscription Information

FPI, Free Press International
newasbm by is licensed under Chinese Internet

Get latest news delivered daily!

We will send you breaking news right to your inbox

This website uses essential cookies for site operation. We would also like to set optional cookies to help us improve our site and to analyze web traffic, as described in the Privacy Compliance. You may accept or reject the use of optional cookies by clicking the Accept or Reject button.

ACCEPT
REJECT