China's anti-ship ballistic missile: Game changer in the Pacific ocean

Description

China’s rapid economic growth over the past decade has been accompanied by notable advancements in strategic sectors such as space systems, missile technology and naval capabilities. Among the most significant developments is the Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM), reportedly designed to target aircraft carrier strike groups and counter US naval dominance. This study by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) evaluates China’s capacity to design, develop and operationalise such a system, including the supporting surveillance and targeting infrastructure. The analysis highlights China’s progress in establishing a satellite-based reconnaissance network, integrating electronic, optical and radar sensors to monitor large ocean areas, complemented by Over-the-Horizon (OTH) radar systems that provide near-real-time tracking of targets. Based on available open-source data, the study estimates that targeting accuracy could be within a 25 km range. Further technical analysis of the DF-21D missile suggests that China has developed a manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle with advanced guidance capabilities, and dimensional assessments closely match projected specifications, lending credibility to its operational claims. Overall, the study concludes that China has likely developed a credible asymmetric capability to challenge US carrier-based power projection, altering the strategic balance in the region, although it does not by itself confer full regional supremacy.

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Publisher

National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore

Keywords

Ballistic missile, Anti-ship ballistic missile

Source Link URL

http://isssp.in/chinas-anti-ship-ballistic-missile/

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