CJ-10 Land Attack Cruise Missile

Full Specifications

CJ-10 Land Attack Cruise Missile

The CJ-10 is a long range, land attack cruise missile developed by China to provide precision strike capability against high value ground targets. Often compared to U.S. Tomahawk systems, the CJ-10 reflects Beijing’s push to strengthen conventional strike options while reducing reliance on ballistic missiles.

Developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the CJ-10 entered service in the mid 2000s with the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force. Its primary role is deep strike against command centers, airbases, logistics hubs, and critical infrastructure. The missile is designed to fly at low altitude, using terrain masking to evade radar and air defenses.

Design and Capabilities

The CJ-10 is powered by a small turbofan engine, allowing sustained subsonic flight over long distances. Open source estimates place its range between 1500 and 2000 kilometers, giving China the ability to hold regional targets at risk from well inside its borders. The missile follows a pre programmed route and can maneuver in flight, improving survivability.

Guidance is believed to rely on a combination of inertial navigation, satellite navigation, and terrain contour matching. Later variants are assessed to include improved accuracy and electronic counter countermeasures. The warhead is conventional, with penetration or high explosive options optimized for hardened or soft targets.

Operational Use

The CJ-10 is launched from mobile ground based transporter erector launchers, improving mobility and survivability. It is a key component of China’s anti access and area denial strategy, especially in scenarios involving Taiwan or regional U.S. bases.

CJ-10 Missile Price

There is no official export or U.S. market price for the CJ-10, as it is not offered for sale. Based on comparable long range cruise missiles, analysts estimate a unit cost in the range of 1 to 3 million US dollars, depending on guidance and production scale.