Facts

Development

The DH-10 is a land-attack cruise missile (LACM) that can reach subsonic speeds and travel up to 2,000km with a payload of 500 kg. [1] The DH-10 is carried by and launched from a transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle that carries three canisters or a ship based platform such as the Type 052D guided missile destroyer. The DH-10 uses several different guidance and navigation modes, including satellite navigation and inertial navigation as well as terrain-following radar, making it harder for defenses to jam or deceive the missile. China unveiled the DH-10 during its National Day Parade in 2006 and has approximately 200-500 missiles and 40-55 launchers in its arsenal. [2]

Strategic Implications

Like other LACMs, the DH-10 poses a number of security challenges for the United States. The DH-10 has a low flight altitude that increases its stealth capabilities against the air defense radars. The DH-10 can also be updated during its flight with new targeting data, allowing it to change targets. [3] The stealth capabilities employed by the DH-10 allows it to confuse or out maneuver the radars and defenses around ships in the region.

References

[1] Gormley, D.,  Erickson, A., and Yuan, J. “JFQ 75: A Potent Vector: Assessing Chinese Cruise Missile Developments.” National Defense University Press. September 30, 2014. http://ndupress.ndu.edu/Media/News/NewsArticleView/tabid/7849/Article/577568/jfq-75-a-potent-vector-assessing-chinese-cruise-missile-developments.aspx.

[2] http://www.nti.org/learn/countries/china/delivery-systems/.

[3] Lin, Jeffrey. and Singer, P.W. “China Shows off its Deadly New Cruise Missiles.” Popular Science. March 10, 2015. http://www.popsci.com/china-shows-its-deadly-new-cruise-missiles.