YJ-19 Missile

Full Specifications

YJ-19 Hypersonic Anti‑Ship Missile

The YJ-19 marks a cutting‑edge leap in naval strike capability: an air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile presented publicly for the first time by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) during China’s 2025 Victory Day Parade. Unlike traditional anti-ship weapons, YJ-19 leverages a scramjet engine, enabling sustained hypersonic flight that dramatically compresses reaction windows for adversary defenses.

Advanced Design & Purpose

Developed in China, the YJ-19 is purpose-built to engage high-value naval targets — such as surface combatants and aircraft carriers — as well as potential fixed land targets in contested maritime zones. Its status as an air‑breathing hypersonic cruise missile differentiates it from ballistic or boost‑glide missiles: once its onboard booster accelerates it to scramjet ignition speed, the missile transitions to sustained atmospheric cruise, offering both speed and maneuverability.

The missile’s slender fuselage and small diameter point to compatibility with standard 533 mm submarine torpedo tubes, suggesting submarine-launched deployment in addition to ship or land-based launch options — a design choice that enhances stealth and survivability of its launch platforms.

Capabilities & Threat Profile

While official performance metrics remain unconfirmed, open-source analysis indicates a cruise speed above Mach 5, with terminal acceleration potentially reaching Mach 10 — placing it firmly in the hypersonic regime. This speed, combined with in-flight maneuverability, makes interception by modern missile defense systems extremely challenging. The air-breathing propulsion reduces propellant burden, increasing potential range and flexibility for mid-course guidance adjustments.

Because the missile can be launched from submarines — including diesel-electric or nuclear-powered designs — YJ-19 offers the PLAN a deep‑sea standoff strike capability. This dual stealth-plus-speed profile could significantly complicate naval defense planning for any adversary operating in contested waters.

YJ-19 Hypersonic Missile Price

At present there is no publicly available credible price for the YJ-19 as it remains a military asset under national service only. Open‑source cost estimations do not exist; thus any price in U.S. dollars would be speculative and not meaningful for public reporting or procurement analysis.