YJ-21

YJ-21
TypeHypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2022–present
Used byPeople's Liberation Army Navy
Specifications
Lengthapprox. 8.3 metres (27 ft)
WarheadConventional

Operational
range
approx. 1,500 kilometres (930 mi) (claimed)
Maximum speed Mach 6 – Mach 10 (7,400–12,300 km/h) (claimed)
Launch
platform

The YJ-21 (Chinese: 鹰击-21; pinyin: Yīngjī-èryāo; lit. 'eagle strike 21') is a Chinese hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile. The missile is possibly based on an export-oriented ballistic missile produced by China, named CM-401, but with more advanced features and capabilities. According to a 2023 People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force article, the missile has a cruise speed of Mach 6, and a terminal speed of Mach 10. The missile was revealed by Chinese Navy ahead of its 73rd anniversary, launching from a universal vertical launch system of the Type 055 destroyer. An export version called YJ-21E was showcased in Airshow China 2022.