DF-21D what is it? China’s anti-ship ballistic missile “Carrier Killer”

DF-21D what is it? China’s anti-ship ballistic missile “Carrier Killer”
Yazı Özetini Göster

Technical Specifications

FeatureValue
TypeAnti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM)
ManufacturerCASIC
NATO CodeCSS-5 Mod-4
Previous VariantsDF-21A/B/C ground target
Weight≈14,700 kg
Length≈10.7 m
Range≈1,500 km (DF-21D); 4,000+ km (DF-26 older brother)
SpeedMach 10+ (terminal re-entry)
WarheadManeuverable Re-Entry Vehicle (MaRV)
GuidanceINS + BeiDou + terminal active radar/electro-optics
LaunchTEL — truck-mounted vertical launch
Target SearchActive seeker during atmospheric re-entry
Service2010+ (DF-21D in combat service)
NicknameCarrier Killer / Hangmu Shashou
FamilyDF-21 (MRBM, various ground), DF-26 (IRBM), DF-17 (HGV)

Impact on U.S. Strategy in the Pacific

  • The U.S. keeps carrier groups further away from Taiwan
  • The U.S. is shifting to distributed maritime operations
  • For smaller platforms long-range weapons
  • Investments in defense SM-3 / SM-6 have increased
  • The U.S. Navy is focusing on unmanned platforms
  • Hypersonic counter-strike weapons have accelerated
  • Turkish equivalent: ATMACA local anti-ship missile (sea launch)

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