China’s CM-302 Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile: Capabilities and Strategic Implications

Why in News ?

Reports indicate that Iran is close to finalising a deal with China to procure the CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missile. The potential acquisition has drawn attention due to the missile’s advanced capabilities and its possible impact on regional maritime security, particularly in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz region.

Background & Context

The CM-302 is an export variant of the YJ-12 missile deployed by the People's Liberation Army Navy. China has increasingly emerged as a key exporter of advanced missile systems, particularly to countries facing Western arms restrictions.

Iran has historically invested in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities to deter superior naval forces operating near its coastline. The acquisition of a high-speed anti-ship missile like the CM-302 would significantly enhance its maritime strike capabilities.

The development reflects broader trends in:

• Expansion of Chinese defence exports
• Strategic military cooperation between China and Iran
• Growing militarisation of critical sea lanes

About CM-302 Missile

The CM-302 is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile designed to target large naval vessels and maritime assets.

It is primarily intended to:

• Strike aircraft carriers
• Attack destroyers and frigates
• Disrupt naval task forces

Key Features of CM-302

1. Speed

• Sustained supersonic speeds of Mach 2.5–3 or higher
• High velocity makes interception extremely difficult.

2. Range

• Operational range of approximately 290 km
• Allows engagement from beyond immediate defensive perimeters.

3. Propulsion System

• Powered by a liquid direct-flow air-breathing jet engine
• Equipped with four air intakes for efficient thrust at high speeds

4. Warhead

• Conventional high-explosive payload
• Designed to inflict severe damage on large vessels

5. Launch Platforms

• Can be launched from:
  • Surface ships
  • Ground-based mobile launchers

6. Flight Profile

• Employs a sea-skimming trajectory
• Flies at extremely low altitudes to evade radar detection

7. Guidance System

• Inertial Navigation System (INS) for initial guidance
• Mid-course correction via BeiDou Navigation Satellite System
• Active radar seeker for terminal homing

8. High Hit Probability

• Estimated hit probability close to 90%
• Advanced guidance and low-altitude approach increase lethality

Strategic Significance of the Missile

1. Enhancement of Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD)

The missile strengthens the ability of coastal states to deter naval incursions by threatening high-value targets such as aircraft carriers.

2. Impact on Gulf Maritime Security

If inducted by Iran, the CM-302 could:

• Raise risks for naval forces operating in the Persian Gulf
• Increase vulnerability of commercial shipping routes
• Affect energy supply chains

3. Shift in Regional Military Balance

Supersonic anti-ship missiles complicate defence planning for technologically advanced navies, including those of the US and its regional partners.

4. China’s Expanding Defence Exports

The deal underscores China’s growing role as an alternative arms supplier, particularly for states under Western sanctions.

5. Implications for Global Trade Routes

Given the proximity of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global energy chokepoint — enhanced missile capabilities may influence maritime risk calculations.

Broader Geopolitical Context

• Strengthening China–Iran strategic ties amid evolving global alignments.
• Increased competition in maritime domains across the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.
• Growing emphasis on missile-centric naval warfare, where speed and stealth are decisive factors.

Comparison with Other Anti-Ship Missiles

Significance for India and Global Maritime Security

While geographically distant, developments in advanced anti-ship missile proliferation:

• Influence naval modernisation globally.
• Reinforce the importance of missile defence systems.
• Highlight the increasing role of satellite-guided precision strike weapons.

For maritime powers, including India, strengthening naval air defence and early warning capabilities remains essential in an era of high-speed cruise missiles.