Archive · 26 Aug 2026
China Tests Stealth-Coated YJ-18A Anti-Ship Missile To Evade Radar
China has reportedly tested a new missile designed to attack ships.
The missile has a special black coating.
This coating can absorb some radar signals, making the missile harder to detect.
Its color may also help it blend into dark ocean water.
Experts said the missile is a version of the YJ-18A.
The missile flies relatively slowly for most of its journey.
Near its target, it can speed up to about three times the speed of sound.
These features are intended to help it get through enemy defenses.
China reportedly test-fired a new stealth-coated anti-ship missile from a navy ship’s vertical launch system.
The missile was identified by experts as a new YJ-18A variant with a black radar-absorbing coating.
The coating is intended to reduce radar reflections and camouflage the missile against the dark color of deep water.
The YJ-18A reportedly cruises at subsonic speed before accelerating to supersonic speed during its terminal attack.
The test was conducted in an unidentified sea area, while footage was released by CCTV on Saturday.
- Who
- China’s navy conducted the reported test, while Chinese military experts identified the missile and explained its features.
- What
- A stealth-coated anti-ship cruise missile, reportedly a new variant of the YJ-18A, was test-fired.
- When
- The report was published on Wednesday, and CCTV footage of the test was released the previous Saturday.
- Where
- The test took place in an unidentified sea area, with the missile launched from a navy ship.
- Why
- The black coating is intended to absorb radar waves, provide visual camouflage, and improve the missile’s ability to penetrate defenses.
- Missile
- Reportedly a new variant of the YJ-18A anti-ship cruise missile
- Launch platform
- A navy ship’s vertical launch system
- Coating
- Black radar-absorbing stealth finish
- Flight profile
- Subsonic cruise followed by a supersonic terminal attack
- Reported range
- The original YJ-18 was reported to have a range of 540 kilometers
- Terminal speed
- The original YJ-18’s warhead was reported to accelerate to Mach 3
- Test location
- An unidentified sea area