The YJ-12 resembles a lengthenedKh-31-type missile.[4] According to the United States, the air-launched (YJ-12) and ship-launched (YJ-12A) variants have 270 nmi (310 mi; 500 km) ranges.[5][6] Speeds of Mach 2.5[4] to 4[2] have been reported. The YJ-12 may perform evasive maneuvers to avoid anti-missile threats.[8]
According toWar on the Rocks, a ship has 45 seconds to engage a YJ-12 aftersea-skimming missile appears over the horizon and is detected. In 2014, theUnited States Navy (USN) intended to counter air-launched YJ-12 saturation attacks by destroying Chinese strike aircraft at long range before the missiles are launched; the tactic relies onCooperative Engagement Capability.[9]
In August 2000, the Chinese unveiled a model of an air-launched missile labeled as the YJ-91, resembling the FrenchAir-Sol Moyenne Portée. Later, a similar-looking missile was seen that may have been designated as the YJ-12. The YJ-91 designation ultimately went to the Chinese development of the RussianKh-31.[10]
The YJ-12 appeared at the2015 China Victory Day Parade,[11] indicating that the missile had entered active service since all weapons showcased during the parade are actively inducted prior to the parade.[12]
The YJ-12B was reportedly deployed to theSpratly Islands around April 2018.[14] They may cover the southern half of the South China Sea when based on three largest Chinese-controlled islands.[15]
