Missile YJ-18

The YJ-18 is a Chinese anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile. It is identified by the United States as being similar to, or a copy of, the Russian 3M-54 Klub. The missile entered service in 2015, with a land-attack variant later unveiled in 2025.

The system utilizes a flight profile consisting of a subsonic cruise phase and a supersonic terminal attack for anti-ship engagements. Guidance is provided by an inertial navigation system assisted by BeiDou satellite data, which can be supplemented by mid-course updates through a datalink. Terminal guidance is conducted via active radar homing, and reports indicate the missile can also employ an anti-radiation seeker. The missile is equipped with a high-explosive warhead. Launch configurations include vertical launching systems, submarine torpedo tubes, and containerized platforms. The YJ-18C variant incorporates a stealth design for land-attack missions.

The People's Liberation Army Navy is the operator of the system. It is deployed on Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers. Submarine deployments include the Shang II-class, which utilizes vertical launch system cells, and the Yuan-class and Song-class vessels, where the missile replaces the YJ-82. The system is also intended for use on the Type 095 submarine and is potentially compatible with Kilo-class submarines. A land-based version is intended for shore batteries as a replacement for the YJ-62. The YJ-18C variant is designed for deployment within commercial shipping containers to allow for concealed operations.