CM-400

Last updated
CM-400AKG
TypeMedium-range air-to-surface missile
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2012-present
Used byChina
Production history
Manufacturer China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)
Specifications
Mass910 kg (2,010 lb)
Length510 cm (16.7 ft)
Diameter400 mm (16 in)
Warhead150–200 kg (330–440 lb) warhead

Engine turbojet
Operational
range
250 km (160 mi; 130 nmi)
Maximum speed Mach 4-5
Guidance
system
INS - GNSS + IR/TV Seeker
Launch
platform
Aircraft
JF-17

The CM-400 is a Chinese supersonic anti-ship missile manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).

Contents

Development and history

The CM-400AKG was unveiled at the 2012 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, [1] where it was claimed to have entered service on Pakistan Air Force CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunders. [2] At the 2013 Dubai Airshow, a Pakistani military source claimed the missile was in Chinese service, and that an anti-ship version was in development. In 2014, a PAF JF-17 was spotted carrying two – possibly mock-up – CM-400AKGs, suggesting the missile was still in development. [1]

At the 2013 Paris Air Show, Fábrica Argentina de Aviones officials revealed the missile's performance was a major reason for their interest in co-producing the JF-17. [1]

Design

The CM-400AKG supersonic anti-ship missile is an air-launched cruise missile and a derivative of the SY-400 guided rocket, also developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). [1]

The CM-400AKG is advertised as having a 510 cm (16.7 ft) length, a 400 mm (16 in) diameter, a mass of 910 kg (2,010 lb), and a range of 100–240 km (62–149 mi; 54–130 nmi), [1] and capable of carrying either a 150 kg (330 lb) blast warhead or a 200 kg (440 lb) penetrator warhead. [3] It has a high cruise altitude and a steep terminal dive (semi-ballistic flight profile [4] ), with a maximum terminal speed of Mach  4.5 to Mach 5. Seeker options include "INS + GNSS + Passive Radar Seeker," potentially for anti-ship with a circular error probable (CEP) of 5 m (16 ft)., and "INS-GNSS+IR/TV Seeker", with a CEP of 5–10 m (16–33 ft). [1] Pakistan air force officials described the missile as "an aircraft carrier killer." [2]

In the aftermath of the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, Pakistan Air Force officials disclosed that CM-400AKG has a range of 400 km (250 mi), a terminal locking range of 30 km (19 mi), a speed of Mach 5, and a passive mode for anti-radiation and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions. [5]

Operational history

Pakistan Air Force sources suggested that CM-400AKG is in People's Liberation Army service. [5]

Operators

Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  People's Republic of China
Flag of Pakistan.svg  Pakistan

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Richard D. Fisher Jr. (2014-10-22). "Images show JF-17 flying with CM-400AKG hypersonic ASM". janes.com. Archived from the original on 2015-07-10. Retrieved 2015-05-15.
  2. 1 2 Richard D Fisher Jr (2014-10-22). "Images show JF-17 flying with CM-400AKG hypersonic ASM". IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 2015-07-10. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  3. Stephen Trimble (2013-11-19). "DUBAI: China details performance of 'carrier killer' missile for JF-17". flightglobal.com. Reed Business Information. Archived from the original on 2017-10-17. Retrieved 2017-11-29.
  4. "First Strike in the Hypersonic Era: Pakistan Claims JF-17-Launched CM-400AKG Took Out India's S-400". Defence Security Asia. 11 May 2025.
  5. 1 2 Warnes, Alan (19 September 2025). "XCLUSIVE: Full article - Understanding the Rafale kills". AirForce Monthly. No. November 2025. p. 43-58.