YJ-12
The YJ-12 is a Chinese supersonic anti-ship cruise missile manufactured by China Aerospace [Science and Industry Corporation].
Description
The YJ-12 resembles a lengthened Kh-31-type missile. According to the United States, the air-launched and ship-launched variants have ranges. Speeds of Mach 2.5 to 4 have been reported. The YJ-12 may perform evasive maneuvers to avoid anti-missile threats.According to War on the Rocks, a ship has 45 seconds to engage a YJ-12 after sea-skimming missile appears over the horizon and is detected. In 2014, the United States Navy intended to counter air-launched YJ-12 saturation attacks by destroying Chinese strike aircraft at long range before the missiles are launched; the tactic relies on Cooperative Engagement Capability.
Development
In August 2000, the Chinese unveiled a model of an air-launched missile labeled as the YJ-91, resembling the French Air-Sol Moyenne Portée. Later, a similar-looking missile was seen that may have been designated as the YJ-12. The YJ-91 designation ultimately went to the Chinese development of the Russian Kh-31.The YJ-12 appeared at the 2015 [China Victory Day Parade], indicating that the missile had entered active service since all weapons showcased during the parade are actively inducted prior to the parade.
The YJ-12A was reportedly in development in 2014. The YJ-12A entered service around 2020 aboard refitted Type 051B and Sovremenny-class destroyers of the People Liberation Army Navy.
The YJ-12B was reportedly deployed to the Spratly Islands around April 2018. They may cover the southern half of the South China Sea when based on three largest Chinese-controlled islands.
Variants
; YJ-12; YJ-12A
; YJ-12B
; CM-302