The YJ-12 resembles a lengthened Kh-31.[3] According to the United States, the air-launched (YJ-12) and ship-launched (YJ-12A) variants have 270 nmi (310 mi; 500 km) ranges.[4][5] Speeds of Mach 2.5[3] to 4[1] have been reported. The YJ-12 may perform evasive maneuvers to avoid anti-missile threats.[7]
According to War on the Rocks, a ship has 45 seconds to engage a YJ-12 after sea-skimming missile appears over the horizon and is detected. In 2014, the United States Navy (USN) intended to counter air-launched YJ-12 saturation attacks by destroying Chinese strike aircraft at long range before the missiles are launched; the tactic relies on Cooperative Engagement Capability.[8]
Development
In August 2000, the Chinese unveiled a model of an air-launched missile labeled as the YJ-91, resembling the French Air-Sol Moyenne Portée. Later, a similar-looking missile was seen that may have been designated as the YJ-12. The YJ-91 designation ultimately went to the Chinese development of the Russian Kh-31.[9]
Externally, the YJ-12 resembled a lengthened Kh-31.[3]
The YJ-12 appeared at the 2015 China Victory Day Parade,[10] indicating that the missile had entered active service since all weapons showcased during the parade are actively inducted prior to the parade.[11]
The YJ-12B was reportedly deployed to the Spratly Islands around April 2018.[13] They may cover the southern half of the South China Sea when based on three largest Chinese-controlled islands.[14]
Variants
YJ-12
Air-launched variant with a 270 nmi (310 mi; 500 km) range.[5]
YJ-12A
Ship-launched variant with a 270 nmi (310 mi; 500 km) range.[4]
YJ-12B
Land-based variant with a 250 nmi (290 mi; 460 km) range.[14]
