The first photos of what is believed to be the fourth variant of the YJ-18, as well as its twin-canister launcher, have been spotted. This variant is believed to be a VLS-borne, shore-based, anti-ship variant.
Hence, the YJ-18 is now believed to come in four variants:
- YJ-18: basic land attack variant
- YJ-18A: VLS-borne anti-ship variant
- YJ-18B: submarine-borne anti-ship variant
- YJ-18X: VLS-borne shore-based variant (photographed here)
The missile equips the 052D and will do likewise on the 055.
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