Cruise Missile
YJ-18
YJ-18 is a Chinese anti-ship cruise missile developed by CASIC, generally cited as entering service in 2015. It cruises at about Mach 0.8 and then accelerates to Mach 2.5–3 in the terminal phase, and is launched from destroyers and submarines.
China|China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)What Is the YJ-18? Overview, History and Development
The YJ-18 belongs to the CM-302 family and was developed by CASIC’s Third Academy. Western sources describe it as similar in concept to Russia’s 3M54 Kalibr, with a subsonic cruise at about Mach 0.8 and a rocket-boosted terminal dash at Mach 2.5–3 over the final 30–40 km. It was shown publicly in 2015. Estimated figures are a 300 kg warhead, about 1,800 kg weight and 6.5 m length, flying 5–10 m above the sea.
Reported launch platforms include Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers through vertical launchers, and Type 093B submarines through torpedo tubes. Range is disputed: the 540 km figure here is the US DoD estimate, while other sources cite about 220 km, and the export CM-302 is quoted up to 290 km. No export customer has been publicly confirmed. Analysts treat it as an anti-access weapon against carrier groups, alongside the YJ-12 and YJ-21. Rivals include Kalibr, Harpoon and NSM.
YJ-18 Specifications: Range, Speed, Warhead and Guidance
YJ-18 Variants and Versions Compared
YJ-18 is the baseline missile displayed publicly in 2015 and used on surface ships.
YJ-18A is reported as the version fired from Type 055 and Type 052D vertical launchers.
YJ-18B is reported as the submarine- and bomber-launched version, according to unconfirmed reports.
Which Countries Use the YJ-18? Operators and Users
ChinaYJ-18 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the YJ-18 missile?
The YJ-18 has a range of about 540 km according to the US Department of Defense. Other sources cite about 220 km, and the export CM-302 is quoted at up to 290 km, so the figures differ widely.
How fast is the YJ-18 missile?
The YJ-18 cruises at about Mach 0.8 and then accelerates to Mach 2.5–3 over its last 30–40 km. These speeds are commonly cited but unofficial, and the supersonic dash leaves defenders only seconds to react.
Is the YJ-18 stealth?
The YJ-18 is not a stealth missile, although its small size and sea-skimming flight at 5–10 m make it hard to detect. Its main advantage is the supersonic terminal stage, which shortens defenders’ reaction time.
Which ships carry the YJ-18?
The YJ-18 is reported on Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers through vertical launchers, and on Type 093B submarines through torpedo tubes. The Type 055 is the main platform, with 8 to 10 ships built.
YJ-18 vs Kalibr: which is better?
The YJ-18 and the Russian 3M54 Kalibr share the same concept, a subsonic cruise followed by a supersonic terminal dash. Reported ranges and warheads are comparable, and neither is publicly proven to be superior.
Has the YJ-18 been exported?
No export customer for the YJ-18 has been publicly confirmed. The related CM-302 export version has been offered to Pakistan, Iran and others, and has reportedly been marketed to Gulf navies, but those reports are unconfirmed.