China's 052D destroyer has demonstrated the capability to launch the hypersonic anti-ship missile YJ-20. Recent footage released by state broadcaster CCTV shows the 052D destroyer firing the YJ-20 from a vertical launch system (VLS). The missile ignited its engine in mid-air after leaving the VLS.
The YJ-20, which made its debut during a military parade in Beijing last September, is China's latest hypersonic anti-ship missile. Military experts estimate its range at approximately 1,500 kilometers and its top speed at over Mach 5, classifying it as a 'carrier killer' capable of evasive maneuvers in its terminal phase.
Previously, the YJ-20 was believed to be exclusively deployed on the larger 10,000-ton Type 055 destroyers. However, this marks the first time it has been shown to be operational on the 7,500-ton Type 052D destroyers. While only 10 Type 055 destroyers are currently in active service, more than 30 Type 052D destroyers have been commissioned, significantly increasing the number of vessels capable of launching the YJ-20. Additionally, the Type 052D destroyers are actively conducting training exercises in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
Notably, if multiple Chinese destroyers are operating simultaneously, they could potentially strike an approaching US aircraft carrier with several YJ-20 missiles at once. Experts suggest that intercepting multiple hypersonic missiles simultaneously is nearly impossible.
Chinese military expert Song Zhongping told Global Times, 'The YJ-20 has demonstrated a high level of standardization capability,' adding that it could become a standard weapon on various advanced warships in the future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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