CM-302 Missile

1. Reports indicate that Iran is close to finalising a deal with China to procure CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles.
2. About CM-302 Missile:
   1. It is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile (export version of YJ-12 used by Chinese Navy) which is designed to strike large naval vessels and high-value maritime targets.
   2. It enhances long-range maritime strike capability as it has a range of approximately 290 km and a supersonic speed of around Mach 2.5 – 3 making interception extremely difficult.
   3. It can be launched from both: ship-based and ground-based launchers.
   4. It follows a sea-skimming trajectory (extremely low altitude approach) which reduces the radar detection and reaction time.
   5. Its Inertial Navigation System (INS) is integrated with China’s BeiDou satellite navigation and Active radar seeker (to find and track its target autonomously in the final phase) for mid-course guidance.
   6. Propulsion: Powered by a liquid direct-flow air-breathing jet engine and equipped with four air intakes.
   7. Warhead: Conventional high-explosive warhead (~250 kg)
   8. It has a high reported hit probability – around 90%.
   9. Key Technical Features: Length = 7 metres, body diameter = 0.7 m and launch weight = 2000-2500 kg.

FAQs

Q1. What is the CM-302 missile? 

It is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile, the export version of China’s YJ-12, designed to strike large naval vessels and high-value maritime targets.

Q2. What is the range and speed of the CM-302 missile? 

It has a range of approximately 290 km and travels at Mach 2.5–3, making interception extremely difficult.

Q3. How is the CM-302 missile launched and guided? 

It can be launched from both ship-based and ground-based launchers. Guidance is provided by an Inertial Navigation System (INS) integrated with BeiDou satellite navigation and an active radar seeker for autonomous target tracking in the final phase.

Q4. What trajectory does the CM-302 missile follow? 

It uses a sea-skimming trajectory, flying at very low altitude to reduce radar detection and reaction time.

Q5. What are the key technical features of the CM-302 missile?

The key technical features include:

1. Length: 7 m
2. Diameter: 0.7 m
3. Launch weight: 2000–2500 kg
4. Propulsion: Liquid direct-flow air-breathing jet engine with four air intakes
5. Warhead: ~250 kg high-explosive
6. Reported hit probability: ~90%