China releases images of YJ-20 hypersonic missile launch.

The China Military Bugle, the Information and Communication Center of the People's Liberation Army of China, has just released images of the YJ-20 supersonic anti-ship missile being launched from a Type 055 destroyer. This marks the first time the Chinese military has publicly demonstrated the launch of this strategic weapon directly from a surface warship.

First time publicly showcasing real-world combat capabilities.

The footage was recorded during the final completion test on the Wuxi, a 10,000-ton Type 055 destroyer. According to military experts, the term "completion test" usually refers to the final major testing phase before a system officially finishes its design and moves to mass production.

Images from the scene show the YJ-20 missile being deployed from a vertical launch system (VLS) located at the stern of the ship. The missile uses a cold launch method, meaning it is propelled out of the launch platform by pressure before the main engine activates in mid-air. Reports confirm the missile successfully hit and destroyed its simulated target during the test.

Technical analysis and tactical characteristics

The YJ-20 is one of four advanced anti-ship missiles (along with the YJ-15, YJ-19, and YJ-17) that have been showcased in parades in Beijing. This weapon is designed for multi-platform deployment, from carrier-based fighters and surface ships to submarines.

Regarding technical specifications, military expert Zhang Junshe stated that the YJ-20 has a speed exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). The missile's structure includes a booster rocket and a twin-conical glide vehicle. This design generates shock waves during supersonic flight, allowing the aerodynamic control fins to perform complex maneuvers in the final stage, increasing its ability to penetrate modern defense systems.

A notable feature is the YJ-20's attack trajectory. The missile is capable of plunging into its target at a near-vertical angle, similar to the trajectory of a ballistic missile. Combined with its supersonic speed, this characteristic makes interception extremely difficult for current fleet defense systems.

Importance to the Chinese Navy

Integrating the YJ-20 onto large warships like the Type 055 allows the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to significantly expand its offshore operational range. The Type 055 is currently the PLAN's largest surface combat platform, serving as the core of carrier strike groups with air defense, anti-ship, and command missions.

The widespread release of images of missile launches shows that the system has achieved a high level of reliability and is ready for official deployment on frontline warships, contributing to enhancing the depth of defense and long-range maritime combat capabilities of the country's military.