ISLAMABAD: Recent advancements in Chinese naval weaponry have sparkedintense interest in Pakistan, as Beijing’s state media highlights theformidable capabilities of the YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missile deployedon the Type 055 Renhai-class destroyer. Analysts suggest that Pakistan mayseek access to similar technologies to bolster its maritime defence againstpotential high-value threats in the Indian Ocean region.
The Type 055 destroyer, one of the most advanced surface combatantsglobally, integrates the YJ-21 missile, which Chinese sources describe ascapable of delivering mission-critical strikes against aircraft carriers.With speeds reaching Mach 10 in the terminal phase, the missile’shypersonic profile renders it extremely difficult for existing defencesystems to intercept, fundamentally altering naval warfare dynamics.
Pakistan’s navy, already equipped with Chinese-built frigates andsubmarines, views such hypersonic capabilities as a strategic enhancer.Ongoing military cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing, including jointproductions and acquisitions, provides a foundation for potential transfersor integrations of advanced strike systems into Pakistani platforms.
Chinese media outlets have emphasised the YJ-21’s role in anti-access/areadenial strategies, noting its ability to target moving naval assets overextended ranges estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres. This developmentcomes amid regional tensions, where naval power projection remains a keyconcern for South Asian security.
The Type 055 platform itself displaces over 12,000 tons and features 112vertical launch cells compatible with multiple missile types, includinglong-range air defence and anti-ship variants. Its advanced sensors andcommand systems enable coordinated strikes, making it a cruiser-level assetin modern fleets.
For Pakistan, acquiring hypersonic anti-ship missiles could significantlyupgrade its deterrent posture, particularly in protecting vital sea lanesand countering larger naval formations. Discussions on defence forumsindicate growing interest in export variants like the YJ-21E, showcased forair-launched applications.
Experts point out that hypersonic weapons compress reaction times fordefenders, with terminal manoeuvres evading radar-guided interceptors.Chinese tests, including live firings from Type 055 destroyers, demonstrateoperational maturity, prompting allies to explore similar enhancements.
Pakistan’s existing arsenal includes supersonic missiles, but transitioningto hypersonic systems would mark a generational leap. Bilateral exercisesand technology sharing under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor frameworkfacilitate such advancements in naval capabilities.
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The YJ-21’s integration reflects China’s rapid progress in precision striketechnologies, with cruise speeds exceeding Mach 6. This positions thePeople’s Liberation Army Navy as a leader in countering carrier strikegroups, a capability that resonates with Pakistan’s strategic needs.
As global navies adapt to hypersonic threats, Pakistan’s pursuit of thesesystems underscores the evolving nature of maritime security in the region.Future acquisitions could reshape power balances, emphasising speed andpenetration over traditional volume of fire.
Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3338185/chinas-carrier-killer-hypersonic-anti-ship-missile-yj-20-final-testing-video
Tags: Pakistan, China, YJ-21, Type 055, Hypersonic Missile, Aircraft Carrier
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