A video released on 25/11 by Lingkong Tianxing, a private technology company based in Beijing, China, shows the YKJ-1000 missile launching from a container-like platform. It then dives towards a simulated target at a desert test site, creating a large explosion.
The video also includes graphics depicting eight missiles flying in formation towards Japan, with designated targets marked. The footage cuts before the projectiles impact the ground. Japan is approximately 1,300 km from northeastern China.
A company representative stated that the weapon has entered mass production at one-tenth the cost of traditional missiles. The projectile is advertised with a range of 500-1,300 km, achieving a hypersonic speed of Mach 5-7 (6,174-8,643 km/h) and maintaining powered flight for 6 minutes.
Graphic images in the video indicate the YKJ-1000 can identify targets mid-flight and automatically evade threats, enhancing its ability to penetrate enemy air defense networks.
According to the manufacturer's representative, the missile does not require a specialized launch platform and can be deployed from mobile platforms, including sea-based vehicles.
"It is designed for rapid, precise strikes against high-value targets deep within enemy territory, possessing high-speed reconnaissance capabilities thanks to high-resolution sensors and real-time data transmission technology," the representative said.
In addition to the original version currently in mass production, Lingkong Tianxing announced it is focusing on developing an intelligent variant integrated with AI and swarm attack capabilities.
Officials from China and Japan have not yet commented.
Traditionally, significant weapon development activities in China have been led by state-owned enterprises or research institutes. Lingkong Tianxing's announcement, by a technology company founded in 2018, may signal increased private sector involvement in this field.
With robust production capacity, private enterprises could help Beijing accelerate weapon manufacturing and reduce product costs, as claimed by Lingkong Tianxing for the YKJ-1000 missile, according to Chinese media.
This weapon was unveiled amid a severe diplomatic crisis between Beijing and Tokyo, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's warning on 7/11 that Japan might take military action if Taiwan were attacked. Taiwan is 100 km from Japan's nearest island.
China demanded Prime Minister Takaichi retract her statement, simultaneously banning Japanese seafood and films, and warning Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan.
China consistently views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory, ready to use all measures for unification. Chinese leaders have repeatedly affirmed that they do not rule out the use of force to reclaim the island, although the general policy remains dialogue and peaceful unification.
Pham Giang (According to SCMP, Business Insider)
