CM-98 standoff stealth multi-purpose missile weapon system Photo: Fan Wei/GT

Cruise missiles including CM-98, YJ-12E and YJ-18E showcasing two globally acknowledged defense-penetration technologies have been put on display at the ongoing 15th Airshow China, which experts noted highlighting the range and diversity in China’s cruise missile development. 

The air launched stealth cruise missile CM-98 developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited (CASIC), China’s biggest developer of defense weapons and equipment, made its debut at the 15th Airshow China, which kicked off in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province, on Tuesday. CASIC also showcased supersonic and hybrid (subsonic/supersonic) cruise missiles. 

These two types of cruise missiles, each showcasing one of two internationally recognized defense-penetration technologies, highlight the breadth and diversity of China’s cruise missile technology, according to experts at the event.

Cruise missiles are characterized by their small sizes, long ranges, high precision, and strong maneuverability, making them highly effective for precision missions, including anti-ship operations and air-to-ground attacks. 

For instance, cruise missiles used in air-to-ground attack missions can be employed in "non-contact combat," to carry out the essential “door-kicking" role. They can autonomously search, locate and strike key targets such as airfields, bridges, ports, and missile sites within the combat zone with high efficiency, high speed and high precision, acting as the “vanguard” on modern battlefields. 

In order to enhance the defense penetration capabilities of cruise missiles, there are currently two internationally recognized technological approaches, military experts said. The first one relies on supersonic cruising capability to reduce the reaction time of enemy air defense systems to achieve an effect where the defense cannot respond in time. The second approach features "silence and invisibility," focusing on strong stealth capabilities to evade enemy air defense surveillance networks and enable a surprise attack. 

CASIC showcased two types of anti-ship cruise missiles at this year’s airshow, representing supersonic speed technology. Among them, the YJ-12E supersonic missile is a "star" anti-ship missile that has garnered considerable international attention. 

Mei Yabing, a spokesperson for CASIC's Third Academy, told the Global Times that the majority of anti-ship missiles on the international market are subsonic, while supersonic missiles offer higher speeds and greater defense penetration, making them a key weapon for breaching missile defense systems. 

"The YJ-12E missile can be deployed on ships or vehicles and is primarily used to strike medium to large surface vessels and high-value ground targets. It has standoff attack capability, strong stealth, high operational autonomy and a short reaction time making it highly effective for long-range, rapid, and precise strikes," Mei said. 

The other anti-ship missile, YJ-18E, uses a combined subsonic cruise and supersonic strike design. Mei explained that this configuration combines the advantages of long range of subsonic cruise missiles with high speed in the terminal phase. It is capable of conducting long-range, stealthy strikes against medium to large ships and fleets, small vessels, as well as fixed land targets. The YJ-18E also features long flight range, strong stealth, enhanced defense penetration capability, effective damage, and ease of use.

Debuted at the airshow, the CM-98 cruise missile featuring a stealth design is a leading example of stealth cruise missile technology. According to Mei, the CM-98 is a multipurpose stealth missile system developed to meet international market demands. It has the capability to conduct standoff land strikes against high-value targets such as airfield runways, apron areas and technical weapon arsenals. The CM-98 boasts all-weather, round-the-clock operation, high stealth penetration, strong anti-jamming capabilities, broad operational range, efficient damage, and ease of maintenance and support. 

“This time, we have presented the latest developments of CASIC in the modernization of weaponry and advancing a robust aerospace industry, while also providing more advanced defense system solutions for international clients,” Mei said.