Missile YJ-21

The YJ-21 is a Chinese anti-ship ballistic missile. An export variant, designated YJ-21E, was first displayed at Airshow China 2022, alongside an air-launched variant designated KD-21. In 2022, a vertical launch system test from a Type 055 destroyer was initially attributed to the YJ-21, though the 2025 emergence of the YJ-20 indicated two separate missile developments. In 2024, the KD-21 was depicted as armament for CH-Series unmanned aerial vehicles, and an H-6K bomber was photographed carrying four KD-21 missiles. Official Chinese Air Force media confirmed operational deployment of the KD-21 on H-6 bombers in April 2025. A Chengdu J-10C was photographed carrying the YJ-21E variant in December 2025.

The missile reaches a cruise speed of Mach 6 and a terminal speed of Mach 10. Platform integration includes the Type 055 destroyer, H-6 bomber variants, the Chengdu J-10C, and CH-Series unmanned aerial vehicles. The KD-21 variant is derived from either the baseline YJ-21 or the CM-401 missile and is intended for land-attack and anti-ship operations.

The YJ-21 and its variants are operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy and the People's Liberation Army Air Force.