What is DF-21D? A Chinese anti-ship ballistic missile “carrier killer”
Analogues in the World
| System | Manufacturer / Country | Range | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF-21D | CASIC — 🇨🇳 | ≈1,500 km | Aircraft Carrier |
| DF-26 | CASIC — 🇨🇳 | ≈4,000 km | Ship+Ground |
| Zircon | NPO Mash — 🇷🇺 | ≈1,000 km | Ship (Mach 8) |
| Hyunmoo-2C | ADD — 🇰🇷 | ≈800 km | Ground |
| BrahMos | BrahMos — 🇮🇳/🇷🇺 | ≈600 km | Multi-role |
| TAYFUN Block-4 | Roketsan — 🇹🇷 | ≈1,000+ km | Ground Ballistic |
| AGM-158C LRASM | Lockheed — 🇺🇸 | ≈930 km | Ship (Cruise) |
The term “aircraft carrier killer” is also a political psychological weapon. China uses the DF-21D as a deterrent to Taiwan and the Pacific; its technical effectiveness in real combat has not yet been tested. However, even the existence of the weapon has influenced the strategy of the U.S. Navy — in this regard, its success is undeniable.
