Type 052D Destroyer Fires YJ-20 Missile: Footage Captured
A video has been released showing a Chinese Navy Type 052D destroyer launching what is believed to be a YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile. This is notable because, until now, official launch footage has primarily focused on the Type 055 large destroyer, suggesting that China’s long-range anti-ship strike capability may be expanding to a wider range of vessels.
On July 29, 2026, the U.S. defense media outlet TWZ reported a video showing a missile being launched from the vertical launch system on the deck of a Type 052D destroyer, the name of which was not identified. The missile was launched using a “cold launch” method, where it is first ejected from the launch tube and then the rocket motor ignites in the air.
However, the video did not include scenes of target hits, the test location, or the exact time of the launch. Therefore, rather than concluding that the YJ-20 has been deployed to the entire Type 052D fleet based solely on this footage, it is more appropriate to interpret it as a sign of integrated ship testing or an expansion of operational use.
Expansion of Launch Platforms: From Type 055 to Type 052D
The YJ-20 was officially unveiled, along with its appearance, at the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day, held in Beijing on September 3, 2025. In December of the same year, a Type 055 guided-missile destroyer, specifically the Wushi, was shown firing the YJ-20 in a form certification test video, which was publicly released through the official social media channels of the People’s Liberation Army.
The video released at that time officially showed the integration of the YJ-20 with the Type 055, the largest surface combat ship of the Chinese Navy. Subsequently, in April 2026, a Chinese military account also released footage of multiple YJ-20 launches, but did not disclose the specific dates or locations of the tests.
The recent video of a Type 052D launching a missile is significant because of the number of launch platforms. TWZ assessed that approximately 35 ships of the Type 052D class are in service with the Chinese Navy, and construction is ongoing. If the YJ-20 missile capability is deployed on a significantly larger number of ships than the currently operational Type 055, the Chinese Navy will be able to disperse its hypersonic anti-ship strike capabilities over a wider area.
64-cell universal vertical launch system is the key
Type 052D Armament Configuration
The Type 052D, known in the West as the Lun III-class, is a main air defense destroyer of the Chinese Navy. Its displacement is estimated to be approximately 7,000 to 7,500 tons, depending on the variant. It is equipped with a universal vertical launch system with a total of 64 cells, with 32 cells located in the bow and 32 cells in the central hull.
According to a report from China’s state-run CCTV, the Type 052D class is based on an active phased array radar and a universal vertical launch system, and performs air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine missions. Previously, the main onboard weapons included the HHQ-9 series of ship-to-air missiles, the YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missile, and anti-submarine missiles.
The Type 055 is equipped with a 112-cell vertical launch system, giving it an advantage in terms of the number of missiles a single ship can carry. In contrast, the Type 052D has a larger number of launch cells, and when equipped with the YJ-20 missile, it may be more effective in terms of distributing firepower and improving survivability compared to the individual firepower of a single ship.
The actual payload capacity is expected to vary depending on the specific mission
The YJ-20 appears to be a large, long-range weapon, and it has not been publicly disclosed whether it can be operated from all launch cells of the Type 052D. In actual operations, it must be deployed alongside air defense and anti-submarine missiles, so the number of YJ-20 missiles carried is likely to be limited depending on the mission and the threat environment.
Performance and military significance of the YJ-20
The YJ-20 is assessed to be a hypersonic weapon that uses either a direct-impact trajectory or a boost-glide flight profile. External analyses suggest that it may have a range of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 km, with a Mach 6 or greater speed during the cruise phase and a Mach 9 to 10 speed during the terminal phase. However, the Chinese authorities have not disclosed the detailed specifications.
High-speed flight and end-stage maneuvering capabilities are factors that reduce the detection, tracking, and interception times of ship-borne air defense systems. It is analyzed that these are developed as long-range anti-ship strike weapons designed to threaten high-value surface ships such as aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships from a long distance.
However, the actual effectiveness of long-range anti-ship missiles is not determined solely by the missile’s performance. A reconnaissance and target acquisition system that combines satellites, maritime patrol aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, ship sensors, and a command and control network is necessary to continuously determine the position of moving warships and update target information.
If the Type 052D is equipped with the YJ-20 anti-ship missile, the Chinese Navy will be able to distribute long-range anti-ship firepower to multiple task forces in the South China Sea. This will require a wider search range and more complex air defense operations for the opposing navy. However, the actual deployment scale and combat readiness will be clarified through official training videos and operational trends of the Chinese Navy in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the YJ-20 missile?
The YJ-20 is a ship-launched hypersonic anti-ship missile developed by China. It is considered a weapon that utilizes a ballistic or gliding flight trajectory to attack surface ships at high speed.
Has the launch of the YJ-20 from the Type 052D been officially confirmed?
Footage has been released showing a ship identified as a Type 052D-class destroyer launching what is believed to be a YJ-20 missile. However, the ship’s name, the location of the test, whether the target was hit, and the overall deployment scale of the fleet have not been disclosed.
What are the differences between the Type 052D and Type 055?
The Type 052D is a destroyer with a displacement of approximately 7,000 to 7,500 tons, equipped with a 64-cell vertical launch system. The Type 055 is a larger surface combatant with 112 cells. While the Type 052D has a smaller payload capacity per ship, it has a significantly larger number of ships in service.
What is the range and speed of the YJ-20?
External analyses estimate the missile’s range to be approximately 1,000 to 1,500 km, with a cruising speed of Mach 6 or higher, and a terminal speed of around Mach 9 to 10. The exact specifications have not been disclosed by Chinese authorities.
What is the significance of the Type 052D’s deployment of the YJ-20?
The integration of the YJ-20 missile into the Type 052D, which is operated by the Chinese Navy in large numbers, would allow for the dispersal of hypersonic anti-ship strike capabilities to a greater number of vessels and maritime areas. This could be a factor in enhancing the Chinese Navy’s long-range maritime denial capabilities.
