SY-400 Missile System

Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System GPS / INS Hybrid
Maximum Speed Mach 5
Launch Compatibility 8x8 TEL Ground Launcher
Warhead Technology HE, Fragmentation, Penetration

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	SY-400 / DF-12
Type / Role	Tactical Ballistic Missile System
Country of Origin	China
Manufacturer	CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation)
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2011
Operational Status	Active / Export

2. Performance & Range

Range	150–400 km
Speed	Up to Mach 5
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Up to 50,000 m
Accuracy (CEP)	<30 m
Warhead Type	HE, Fragmentation, Penetration

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	GPS / INS
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget
Launch Platform Compatibility	Ground-based TEL
Seeker Type	Inertial / Satellite-assisted

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	6.2 m
Diameter	0.40 m
Wingspan	N/A
Launch Weight	1,800 kg
Propulsion	Solid-fuel Rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	200–300 kg
Explosive Type	HE, Cluster, Penetrator
Detonation Mechanism	Impact / Proximity Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Medium
Deployment Platform	Ground TEL
Target Types	Airfields, Infrastructure, Radar Sites
Combat Proven	Limited Reports
Users / Operators	China, Qatar

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

High precision with GPS/INS guidance
Rapid deployment and mobility
Multiple warhead compatibility
Sealed canister storage for reduced maintenance
Long-range tactical reach (up to 400 km)

CONS

Limited availability outside export markets
Lacks combat experience compared to Western systems
Non-stealth trajectory increases detectability
No independent re-targeting mid-flight
Dependent on satellite navigation for accuracy

SY-400 Tactical Ballistic Missile System

The SY-400 (Shen Ying-400), also known as the DF-12, is a modern tactical ballistic missile system developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). Designed for export, the SY-400 offers precision, mobility, and versatility in modern battlefield environments, capable of striking strategic targets such as command centers, airfields, and infrastructure with high accuracy.

Introduced in the early 2010s, the SY-400 serves as an intermediate-range system bridging the gap between traditional multiple-launch rocket systems and short-range ballistic missiles. Each launch vehicle typically carries eight 400 mm missiles in sealed canisters, providing rapid reload and reduced maintenance requirements.

Capabilities and Design

Powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor, the SY-400 can reach speeds of up to Mach 5, delivering payloads to ranges between 150–400 km. Its guidance system combines GPS and inertial navigation (INS), achieving a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 30 meters, making it one of the most accurate export-grade missile systems available.

The system is mounted on an 8×8 transporter erector launcher (TEL), ensuring high mobility and rapid launch readiness. It can deploy a variety of warheads, including high-explosive, fragmentation, and penetration types, enabling adaptability against multiple target types.

Operational Use

Although primarily marketed for export, the SY-400 has been reported in service with several international operators, notably Qatar, which showcased it in 2017. Its combination of range, mobility, and precision makes it a significant tactical asset in regional deterrence and strike operations.

SY-400 Tactical Ballistic Missile System Price in United States

While the SY-400 is not available for U.S. procurement, its estimated export unit price ranges from $3 million to $5 million per launcher system, depending on configuration and support package.

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