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Advanced aircraft, menacing missiles – China’s top air show sends a warning to the US
- Anti-ship hypersonic YJ-21 missile makes first public appearance at top Chinese air show
- This year’s military display less about sales, more about messages, experts say
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An anti-ship hypersonic missile made its public debut as China showcased its latest collection of warplanes and cutting-edge weapons during the opening of its leading air show on Tuesday.
The missile is an export version of China’s YJ-21, also known as the Eagle Strike 21 air-launched ballistic missile, which has a combat range of more than 2,000km (1,240 miles).
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Military experts said the weapon’s appearance at the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China, could be seen as a warning to the United States on Taiwan.
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Two missiles sporting the designation “2PZD-21” were seen mounted under the wings of an H-6K strategic bomber that landed at Jinwan airport in Zhuhai, the southern coastal city where the biennial air show is being held until Sunday.
The signature conical shape of the missile’s warhead is similar to the Russian Kh-47 Kinzhal nuclear-capable, high precision hypersonic air-launched missile, which is said to be able to reach Mach 12 with a range of more than 2,000km.
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