ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defence analysts are increasingly advocating for theintegration of advanced Chinese missiles, including the YJ-18 for landattack, YJ-12 for air-to-ground roles, and the hypersonic YJ-21E, tobolster the Pakistan Air Force’s capabilities. This call comes amidevolving regional security dynamics, where precision and speed in strikeoptions have become critical. The PAF is positioned to lead in inductinghypersonic air-to-ground missiles, marking a significant leap in aerialwarfare potential. Such advancements would provide standoff engagementoptions against high-value targets.
The YJ-18, a subsonic cruise missile with supersonic terminal phase, offersranges up to 540 kilometres in its standard configuration, making itsuitable for land attack missions from various platforms. Pakistan’s navyhas already explored similar systems for submarine launches, as seen withHangor-class vessels. Adapting it for land-based or air-launched variantscould enhance deep strike reach. Experts note that its guidance systems,including inertial and satellite navigation, ensure high accuracy, withwarheads capable of delivering substantial payloads.
Meanwhile, the YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missile, with speeds exceedingMach 3 and ranges around 400 kilometres, is viewed as ideal forair-to-ground configurations. Pakistan has previously acquired exportvariants like CM-302 and CM-400AKG for JF-17 aircraft, often described ascarrier killers due to their velocity and evasion manoeuvres. Integratingadvanced versions would allow the PAF to target fortified positions ornaval assets effectively, reducing exposure to enemy defences.
The YJ-21E, an export hypersonic missile showcased in 2022, represents thepinnacle of this proposal, with speeds over Mach 5 and manoeuvrabilitychallenging interceptors. Recent sightings of Chinese J-10C fighterscarrying it suggest compatibility with similar platforms, like Pakistan’sJ-10CE fleet. The PAF’s 2024 claim of hypersonic capability, linked toCM-400AKG, could evolve with true hypersonic induction, positioningPakistan among few nations with such air-launched options.
On the domestic front, the Fatah series, including Fatah-II with400-kilometre range and guided precision, serves tactical needs but fallsshort against supersonic threats like India’s BrahMos. BrahMos, a jointIndo-Russian supersonic cruise missile, reaches Mach 3 with ranges up to800 kilometres in newer variants, deployable from multiple platforms.Analysts argue Fatah systems, while cost-effective for artillery roles,lack the speed and penetration to directly counter BrahMos saturationattacks.
Data from open sources indicate BrahMos has been operational since 2005,with over 1,000 units produced, enhancing India’s strike envelope. Incontrast, Fatah-II, tested in 2024, focuses on conventional precision butoperates at subsonic or ballistic trajectories, vulnerable to advanced airdefences. This disparity underscores the need for supersonic and hypersonicupgrades to maintain deterrence balance.
Pakistan’s military modernisation, including J-10C acquisitions andelectronic warfare systems, aligns with this integration push. The PAF’semphasis on niche technologies aims to address asymmetries, particularlyagainst expanding Indian capabilities like S-400 systems and hypersonicdevelopments.
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Strategic cooperation with China remains key, with past transfers ofCM-400AKG and potential for YJ-series exports. Inducting YJ-21E would makePAF a pioneer in regional hypersonic air-to-ground operations, offeringrapid, hard-to-intercept strikes.
Ultimately, these recommendations reflect a data-driven approach to enhancesurvivability and lethality. While Fatah series strengthens short-rangeprecision, advanced Chinese missiles could transform PAF’s role infull-spectrum deterrence.
Source:https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/01/18/pakistans-air-force-says-it-has-a-hypersonic-capable-missile/
Tags: Pakistan, China, PAF, Hypersonic Missiles, YJ-21, BrahMos, FatahSeries, J-10C
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