China's military on 28/12 released a video of the final test of the YJ-20 missile, concluding its design phase and moving into mass production. The missile was fired using a cold launch method from a vertical launch system located at the stern of the large Wuxi destroyer, a Type 055 class vessel with a 10,000-ton displacement.
In cold launch technology, the missile is pushed out of its tube by compressed gas or a booster engine before its main engine activates, instead of igniting while still inside, as with the hot launch method. The main advantage of cold launch technology is ensuring safety for the launch platform on warships.
The video did not show the mid-course and terminal phases of the YJ-20 missile's trajectory after launching from the Wuxi destroyer; however, China's military stated that the projectile successfully hit and destroyed a simulated target. This marks the first time the country has released footage of the YJ-20 anti-ship missile launch from a warship.
The launch of the YJ-20 anti-ship missile in a video released on 28/12. Video: PLA
The YJ-20 missile was unveiled at a military parade in Beijing on 3/9, alongside three other anti-ship missile models: the YJ-15, YJ-17, and YJ-19. Chinese media reported that these missiles can be fired from various launch platforms, including carrier-based fighters, surface vessels, and submarines.
The YJ-20, YJ-17, and YJ-19 are all hypersonic weapons, meaning they possess speeds at least five times the speed of sound and in-flight maneuverability.
According to Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe, the YJ-20's external appearance suggests it comprises a booster missile with a warhead that is a double-cone hypersonic glide vehicle. The glide vehicle can perform terminal phase maneuvers, increasing its chances of penetrating enemy air defense networks.
The YJ-20 missile can descend on targets in a near-vertical trajectory, similar to ballistic weapons. Zhang stated that when combined with hypersonic speed, the projectile becomes very difficult to intercept.
The expert believes the missile can be fired from distant waters by platforms such as Type 055 class destroyers, thereby enhancing the Chinese navy's offshore combat capabilities and improving defensive depth.
Pham Giang (Source: Global Times)
