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YJ-21

Hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missileIn serviceFielded 2022Pending verification

Also known as: Ying Ji-21, Eagle Strike-21

Missile ForcesCHN
Missile length 7 m
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeHypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile
Alternative designationsYing Ji-21, Eagle Strike-21
Date of introduction2022
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerChina Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)Med[1]
GuidanceGuidance is believed to be provided by an inertial navigation system (INS) aided by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), GPS, and the BeiDou system.Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length7 m23 ftMed[1]
Diameter0.75 m2 ftMed[1]
Launch weight3,000 kg6,614 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
PropulsionThere is no evidence that the missile has any form of airbreathing propulsion, and is believed to be powered by only a single-stage solid-propellant rocket…Med[1]
SpeedMach 10Med[1]
Payload and range
WarheadThe missile is expected to feature a conventional warhead, which could be used against high-value surface targets. The training version lacks a warhead and instead carries a dummy payload to replicateMed[1]
Maximum range1,000–1,500 km621–932 mi · 540–810 nmi1,000–1,500 km (est)Med[1]
Variants
YJ-21EThe YJ-21E is an export variant of the YJ-21 missile. It has a cylindrical mid-body design with a double-cone-shaped nose section and four control tailfins. It appears that the missile is optimized for use from fighters and UCAVs.[1]
Summary

Chinese hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile carried in the vertical launch cells of Type 055 cruisers; an air-launched version has also been displayed. The source card estimates a range of 1,000 to 1,500 km and a terminal speed near Mach 10.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
Sources
  1. YJ-21 Chinese Medium-Range Ballistic Missile, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-05 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)