What is DF-21D? China’s “aircraft carrier killer” anti-ship ballistic missile
Technical Specifications
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) |
| Manufacturer | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation |
| NATO Code | CSS-5 Mod-4 |
| Previous Versions | DF-21A/B/C Ground Targets |
| Weight | ≈14,700 kg |
| Length | ≈10.7 m |
| Range | ≈1,500 km (DF-21D); 4,000+ km (DF-26 older brother) |
| Speed | Mach 10+ (terminal re-entry) |
| Warhead | Manoeuvrable Re-entry Vehicle (MaRV) |
| Guidance | INS + Beidou + terminal active radar/electro-optical |
| Launch | TEL — truck-mounted vertical launch |
| Target Detection | Detector activated during atmospheric re-entry |
| Service | 2010+ (DF-21D in service) |
| Nickname | Carrier killer / Hangmu Shashou |
| Family | DF-21 (medium-range ballistic missiles, various ground), DF-26 (medium to long-range ballistic missiles), DF-17 (hypersonic glide vehicle) |
Impact on U.S. Pacific Strategy
- U.S. carrier groups are forced to stay away from Taiwan waters
- Shift in U.S. distributed maritime operations theory
- Smaller platforms equipped with long-range weapons
- Increased investment in SM-3 / SM-6 defenses
- U.S. Navy shifts to unmanned platforms
- Accelerated development of hypersonic counterstrike weapons
- Turkey’s response: ATMACA domestic anti-ship missile (sea launch)
