Kathrine Frich
Fresh footage released by China’s navy has drawn close attention from military analysts abroad.
The video shows what Beijing describes as the final trials of a new anti-ship missile, a development that could reshape naval balances in the Pacific.
Experts say the tests signal that the weapon is nearing operational deployment, raising questions about how prepared US forces are to counter it.
Final trials shown
According to Defense Express, the People’s Liberation Army Navy has completed what it calls the last testing phase of the YJ-20 anti-ship missile.
The footage shows multiple launches carried out from a Type 055 guided missile destroyer.
Chinese officials have not provided technical details, but labeling the exercises as “final tests” suggests the missile is close to entering service and mass production, analysts said.
The YJ-20 was first publicly displayed during a military parade in Beijing in September 2025.
Defense Express noted that earlier footage, posted several years ago, showed unidentified missiles launched from a Type 055 destroyer that may have been early versions of the same system.
What is known
The missile’s specifications remain classified. Based on its shape and flight profile, Defense Express analysts assess that the YJ-20 is likely a hypersonic aeroballistic missile equipped with a maneuvering warhead.
They estimate the missile could reach terminal speeds of around Mach 9 and have a range of roughly 1,500 to 2,000 kilometres.
The weapon is launched vertically using a cold-launch system, with its main engine igniting shortly after it leaves the launcher.
Analysts also believe the missile may rely on radar or infrared guidance, possibly supplemented by satellite updates during flight.
Hard to stop
Hypersonic weapons are considered especially challenging to defend against.
Their speed, combined with the ability to maneuver and exploit radar blind spots, reduces the chances of successful interception, experts said.
Defense Express reported that US naval forces would likely depend on SM-6 interceptor missiles to counter such a threat.
Each interceptor costs about $5 million, and production numbers are limited, with 139 units planned for the 2026 fiscal year.
Strategic concerns
The analysts concluded that the YJ-20 could represent a “significant threat to the US Navy,” particularly if deployed in large numbers.
They argued that current US missile defenses are costly and may be insufficient for prolonged operations.
According to Defense Express, the development shows the need for longer-range weapons and more affordable defensive systems to protect American naval forces over time.
Sources: Defense Express, People’s Liberation Army Navy, Wirtualna Polska
