Archive · 30 Jul 2026
China Shows Wider Deployment of YJ-20 Anti-Ship Missile
China’s state media showed a video of a big warship, a Type 052D destroyer, firing a new super-fast missile called the YJ-20.
This missile can travel very far—about 1,500 kilometers—and can hit moving ships.
It is launched from the ship’s launcher before its engine starts.
The video was part of a documentary that began on July 30 to celebrate the Chinese army’s 99th anniversary.
Experts say this missile makes China’s navy stronger, especially in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
China’s state media released footage of a Type 052D destroyer firing the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile.
The YJ-20, first seen on a Type 052 vessel, has a range of up to 1,500 km and can target moving ships.
The missile is cold‑launched vertically, with engine ignition after ejection from the launcher.
The deployment is part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen naval control in the South China Sea and East Asia.
U.S. Pentagon assessment labels China’s hypersonic missile arsenal as world‑leading and a significant development.
- Who
- China’s navy and state media
- What
- Deployment of the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile
- When
- July 30, 2024
- Where
- Type 052D destroyer, footage shown by CCTV and Global Times
- Why
- To strengthen naval control in East Asia and prepare for potential Taiwan conflict scenarios
- Weapon
- YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile
- Range
- up to 1,500 km (930 miles)
- Launch method
- cold launch, vertical
- Vessel type
- Type 052D destroyer
- Deployment context
- South China Sea, East Asia