The PLAN's ASBM is said to be a modified DF-21C. Image: Arms Control Wonk
The excellent naval affairs blog, Information Dissemination, posted on March 28th, 2009 a description of a Chinese blog entry on People’s Liberation Army Navy’s anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) development.
China has developed an anti-ship ballistic missile that can strike carriers and other U.S. vessels at a range of 2000km.
U.S. Naval Institute adds “the range of the modified Dong Feng 21 missile is significant in that it covers the areas that are likely hot zones for future confrontations between U.S. and Chinese surface forces.”
A Defense News article from January, 2008 claims the ASBM will be a modified DF-21C. However, Arms Control Wonk blog believes the ASBM variant has a different number — the DF-21 D or Delta.
For expanded analysis on this issue and its effect on the U.S. Navy, click here.
20090331 at 1749
I realize that the photo above is a mock up of the missile, but to me, it looks more like an SLBM, it even resembles our old Polaris. Everything I read so far on this issue made me believe it was going to be a land based system, but now I’m wondering if they’re going to drop these in their new Type 094 boats.
20090331 at 1813
Thanks for pointing that out. In searching for an image, it’s the closest I came to the Chinese titled ASBM. Will keep looking for a better representation.
20090331 at 2123
You’re quite welcome. Let me know what you find out.
20090401 at 2334
I came across this Defense News article and the ASBM will be a modified DF-21C. However, Arms Control Wonk believes the ASBM variant has a different number — the DF-21 D or Delta.