Chinese YJ-18C cruise missile
The People's Liberation Army Navy operates several modifications of the Yingji-18 cruise missile. Last year, the latest development in this family, the YJ-18C, was unveiled for the first time. The new missile is significantly different from previous models and features several key features. These innovations are expected to improve key performance characteristics and overall combat capabilities.
Rocket family
According to available data, the basic version of the Yingzi-18 ("Eagle Strike") cruise missile was developed by Chinese industry at the turn of the 2000s. The missile was intended for submarines and was to be launched from torpedo tubes.
A naval version of the missile, designated YJ-18A, was then developed for use with vertical launch tubes. Since 2015, destroyers of the Project 052D and Project 055 classes have been receiving this munition. A YJ-18B missile designed for vertical launch tubes on submarines has also been developed.
On September 3, 2025, a military parade was held in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan and the end of World War II. At the event, the PLA displayed all its current and future weapons. In particular, several new missiles were officially unveiled for the first time.
A parade formation. A still from a Chinese TV broadcast.
Along with other missiles, the mechanized column included a new type of missile, the Yingzi-18C. Several of these missiles were transported on transport trucks. The official commentary on the parade provided limited information about the new weapons, however, it allowed us to form a very general picture.
New details recently emerged. Shipborne Weapons Defense Review, a Chinese magazine published by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, revealed the key features, functions, and capabilities of the new Yingji series anti-ship cruise missile. The magazine reiterated previously known information and confirmed previous assumptions. However, for obvious reasons, it avoided delving deeply into sensitive topics.
Promising ammunition
According to publicly available information, the YJ-18C is a subsonic ship-launched cruise missile. It is primarily designed to strike land targets, but its use as an anti-ship weapon has not been ruled out. The new missile differs from other Yingji missiles in several design features that should improve its overall capabilities.
The missile is housed in a distinctive, elongated fuselage. The narrow, long fuselage has a polygonal cross-section with distinct edges. The nose cone combines smooth curves with a flat nose. A high, straight wing occupies the central section of the fuselage. The tail contains three fins. Judging by its appearance, the missile's airframe is made of plastics or composites.
A view from a different angle. A still from a Chinese TV broadcast.
Key design features point to the use of stealth technologies and a general reduction in observability at various ranges. Unlike other Eagle Strike variants, the YJ-18C is designed to be low-observable. It is designed to approach its target covertly, reducing the likelihood of a timely interception.
The missile's exact dimensions are unknown. The overall length, including the booster motor, should not exceed 6-7 meters. Its diameter is tens of centimeters. Some sources mention the possibility of using a 250-300 kg warhead. If this information is accurate, the missile's launch weight could be 2,5-3 times greater.
Like other missiles in the family, the Yingzi-18C is equipped with a short-life, compact turbojet engine. For launch from a ship or submarine, the missile requires an additional solid-fuel motor. Depending on the flight profile, it can reach speeds of up to Mach 0,8. According to the latest estimates, its range should exceed 1000 km.
The missile uses combined guidance principles. Flight to the target area is accomplished using inertial and/or satellite navigation. At the designated point, the active radar homing head is activated. A radio is included for data exchange with the launch vehicle.
Shipborne Weapons Defense Review notes the use of a fully-fledged onboard computer. It is equipped with software with elements of artificial intelligence and is capable of effectively solving navigation and combat tasks. Specifically, the computer must plan or adjust the route based on incoming data on the situation in the area.
Early-modification YJ-18 missiles. Photo by the Chinese Ministry of Defense.
The Yingzi-18C can carry a penetrating or high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Its weight, according to various estimates, reaches 250-300 kg. The high-explosive fragmentation warhead can destroy various ground structures and objects. The penetrating warhead, on the other hand, can destroy ships with a displacement of at least 3-5 tons or inflict significant damage on larger targets.
According to available information, the YJ-18C missile is intended for use on modern PLA Navy surface ships. The munitions, complete with booster motor, will be loaded into standard vertical launchers. A modification for submarines and airborne platforms is also expected.
Suggested tasks
Overall, the YJ-18C missile's functions and missions are quite clear. It is a long-range naval weapon, designed to engage enemy ground or surface targets. These cruise missiles can be used in various types of strikes, individually or in groups, as well as in combination with other weapons.
In its current form, the Yingzi-18S has several important features and advantages. First and foremost, its stealthy design is noteworthy. Its reduced signature and correct trajectory significantly increase the likelihood of a successful breakthrough. Defense and target destruction. These factors can even compensate for the subsonic flight speed, which imposes certain limitations.
The YJ-18C can target various unprotected ground structures. These include command posts, radar and communication stations, warehouses, manpower and equipment storage areas, and so on. Typical surface targets include ships up to the size of a destroyer. However, multiple missiles can cause significant damage to even a larger target.
The Nanchang-class destroyer, a Type 055 destroyer. The launcher cells compatible with the Yingji-18 missiles are visible in front of the superstructure. Photo: Japanese Ministry of Defense
Shipborne Weapons Defense Review notes that the YJ-18C can also engage other surface targets. These missiles are capable of effectively engaging various transport vessels.
The use of a cruise missile against sea lanes allows for the full realization of its technical and combat potential. This targeting choice eliminates limitations associated with warhead speed or weight. Furthermore, stealth becomes an even more valuable asset.
It should be noted that the effect of such "raiding operations" is not only in the direct damage to the enemy. the fleet Measures will have to be taken to protect merchant ships, which could lead to a dispersal of forces and a deterioration in operational capabilities. Convoys will also be required, which will somewhat complicate logistics. Furthermore, the escort ships themselves could become targets for Yingzi-18s of all modifications.
Expanding Potential
Thus, China is developing new missile weapons and gradually modernizing its naval arsenals. New missiles with improved performance characteristics and broader combat capabilities are being developed. Furthermore, these new weapons are regularly showcased to the public at parades and other public events.
Judging by the parade demonstration, the Yingzi-18C missile has already reached the point of being accepted into service. The PLA Navy must now master it and incorporate it into the arsenal of its modern ships. Whether they will have to use the new weapon remains to be seen. However, its very presence is significant.
Information