China YJ-20 Hypersonic Missile Production: Final Tests Signal Readiness for ‘Carrier Killer’
China's YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile is nearing mass production after successful finalization tests. Launched from a Type 055 destroyer, the 'carrier killer' poses a new challenge to naval balance.
“Target destroyed. Missile hit.” This succinct radio confirmation marks a new chapter in Indo-Pacific naval dynamics. On December 30, 2025, China signaled that its YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile—its longest-range weapon in this class—is nearing mass production. The announcement followed the release of footage showcasing the advanced weapon during its finalization test, the decisive hurdle for military certification.
China YJ-20 Hypersonic Missile Production Milestone
The footage, released by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) official account, shows the missile launching from the vertical launch system (VLS) of the Type 055 destroyer Wuxi. According to the SCMP, this test serves as the official green light for mass production and deployment. It confirms that the design meets all operational requirements, effectively clearing the path for the PLA Navy to stockpile these high-speed assets.
Reshaping the Pacific Security Landscape
The YJ-20, also known as the Eagle Strike-20, made its official debut this past September during the Victory Day parade in Beijing. While the PLA has teased similar launches in 2022 and 2024, this is the first time the model has been explicitly identified in the context of production readiness. With its superior range and hypersonic speed, the YJ-20 is specifically designed to challenge US Navy carrier strike groups, aiming to push adversary vessels further away from the Chinese coast and complicate naval intervention.
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