Through a series of images and videos that went viral via Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) sources, the latest test launches of the new YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missile from a Type 055 destroyer of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) have come to light. As of today, neither the Ministry of Defense of the People’s Republic of China nor the Navy itself has issued an official statement, despite the video that went viral during the current week.
According to OSINT reports, analysis of the video frames confirms that the launch test was conducted from one of the new Type 055 destroyers of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. This vessel is one of the most modern combat platforms to date (referred to by NATO as the Renhai class and classified as a cruiser due to its displacement).
The previously mentioned sources have not been able to determine which of the eight ships currently comprising the Type 055 class fired the YJ-21 missile, though it is speculated that it could be one of the ships Dalian (105), Yan’an (106), or Zunyi (107), all of which are in service with the South Sea Fleet of the Chinese Navy. This detail also suggests that the launch may have been conducted within the operational area of the Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, which has jurisdiction over the provinces and regions of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Yunnan, and Hainan, as well as special administrative regions like Hong Kong and Macau.
Finally, it is important to highlight the type of projectile used and launched from the vertical launch system of the Type 055 destroyer. The YJ-21 is one of the most advanced hypersonic anti-ship missiles in service at the People’s Liberation Army Navy, with an operational range of approximately 1,500 kilometers and cruising speeds of Mach 6, reaching terminal speeds of Mach 10.
Although many details about the missile remain classified, various sources speculate that the missile is an adapted version for launch from surface ships, based on the CM-401 missile, but with substantial improvements in speed and range. Furthermore, as various reports suggest, there are versions designed to be launched from H-6N bombers in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
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