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CASIC CM-400 Family: The Anti-Aircraft Carrier Missile
Good day all!!
For a fifth suggestion, I’m introducing the CM-400 missile family. Known for its impressive speed and capability, I’m suggesting what could be considered the ultimate Air-to-Ground/Sea munition for China’s top tier aircraft.
Note:
- This is merely a suggestion, of which may be represented in the near or far future, the specific timing is irrelevant
- Feel free to share any additional information you may have, as information regarding Chinese munitions can often be difficult to acquire
- Feel free to inquire or correct me on anything that is incorrect or seems wrong
History & General Information
Derived from the SY-400 ballistic missile, the CM-400 is a family of long-range supersonic air-launched missiles developed and manufactured by the China Aerospace and Industry Corporation (CASIC). Designed for engagement with a variety of targets, the CM-400 family are capable of anti-ship missions, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and attacking strategic targets, like hangars, buildings, anchored ships. The advertised “hypersonic” capability of the missile, though astounding, is often misleading. The system operates differently from traditional sea-skimming cruise missiles by being launched from higher altitudes and utilising a rocket motor to propel the munition upwards. CM-400s would then arc sharply and dive towards their target in their descent during the terminal phase, achieving their highest speeds. The CM-400 family fulfill different strike objectives through use of interchangeable seekers and warheads within a universal platform.
Initially promoted at Zhuhai Airshow, it was marketed as a ‘hypersonic’ anti-ship missile in 2012. At the November 2013 Dubai Airshow, a Pakistan military source divulged the CM-400 missile was already in Chinese service, as the anti-ship variant being fitted for service with FC-1/JF-17s were still in development. Supposition based on this information suggested either the JH-7A or a member of the J-11 family mounted CM-400s. This is difficult to verify, as the only evidence is a grainy photo indicating tests of a CM-400 on a J-11. The FADEA state aircraft factory expressed interest in the FC-1/JF-17 at the 2013 Paris Airshow. These Argentine officials stated their inquiry stemmed from the CM-400 missile family’s performance. Between 2017 and 2018, the Pakistan Air Force purchased 60 of the anti-ship CM-400 missiles. In March 2026, after much speculation, Serbian officials confirmed integration of CM-400 missiles with their MiG-29s through use of CATIC’s plug-and-play SWFCS.
Design & Features:
- The CM-400 is a modular system, allowing adaptability for various strike missions through adoption of interchangeable seekers featuring different guidance systems and different warheads.
- Guidance Systems: The CM-400 family offers three Seeker systems: INS+GPS, INS+GPS+Passive Radar Seeker, and INS+GPS+Infrared/Optical Seeker.
- The CM-400 family boast a significant range, extending as far as 240km. They offer high accuracy, with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of ≤ 50 meters (INS+GPS), and a CEP as low as ≤ 5 meters (INS+GPS+Passive Radar Seeker, and Infrared/Optical Seeker).
- Lauded for its impressive speed, the CM-400 system achieves Mach 5 capability through use of a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
- Fire-and-Forget Capability: Once launched, the missile requires minimal operator input, allowing the aircraft to engage multiple targets at the same time.
Additional Details:
- The CM-400 system is currently in service with China, Pakistan, and Serbia.
- The CM-400’s modular design makes it a universal platform equipped with advanced guidance systems allowing versatility and adaptability for any mission required of it.
Weapons Capabilities and Information
- Contour:
- Weight: 870 kg
- Length: 5177 mm
- Diameter: 400 mm
- Warhead:
- Type: Integral Blast Fragmentation (150 kg) or Integral Penetration Blast (200 kg)
- Guidance: INS+GPS, Passive Radar Seeker, and Infrared/Optical Seeker
- Designations:
- CM-400 – INS+GPS+Passive Radar Seeker
- CM-400AKG - INS+GPS, INS+GPS+Infrared/Optical Seeker
- Range Figures:
- Dropped from 26,000 to 40,000 ft (~8 to ~12km) at Mach 0.7 to 0.9
- 100 to 240 km
- Dropped from 26,000 to 40,000 ft (~8 to ~12km) at Mach 0.7 to 0.9
- Seeker Capabilities:
- Fire & Forget
- Lock-on After Launch (LOAL) capable
- Multi-target simultaneous attack
- High Speed (As high as Mach 5 in perfect conditions)
- Accuracy in the 50-metre class (GPS), ≤ 5-metre class (Passive Radar and Infrared/Optical)
- Compatibility:
- Fully integrated with JF-17 and J-10C/CE
- Supposedly tested on Shenyang’s J-11 family
- Adaptability kit offered for Non-Chinese platforms through WZHK-1 (SWFCS)
- Limitations:
- Compatible with Single Pylons
- Maximum Allowed Release Speed: Mach 0.9 (JF-17)
The CM-400s are a modular system integrated into a universal platform that provides versatility when it comes to Seeker Choice, and Warhead Options.
Seeker Options
Spoiler
The CM-400 family allows interchange between several seeker options: INS+GPS, INS+GPS+Passive Radar Seeker, and INS+GPS+Infrared/Optical Seeker.
All seeker options retain full capability and accuracy under various weather and day-time conditions. They are considered able to operate as Fire & Forget and support multi-targeting. The system variants incorporating a Passive Radar Seeker and Infrared/Optical Seeker are capable of tracking moving targets.
Thanks for reading! More (important/declassified) information will be added when available.
Photos
Spoiler
CM-400 Mount and Test on Pakistan's JF-17
Size Comparison of a CM-400AKG to a PL-15E (Scaled Down)
References
Spoiler
China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) - Placard from IDEX 2019; February 22, 2019
China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) - Website Listing for SWFCS; February 23, 2026
FlightGlobal - Dubai: China details performance of 'carrier killer' missile for JF-17; November 19, 2013
DUBAI: China details performance of ‘carrier killer’ missile for JF-17 - FlightGlobal
Interview with "Engineer Zhang," Member of the CM-400 Project Team
http://video.sina.com.cn/p/news/sky/v/2012-11-16/140161916517.html
IHS Jane's Defence Weekly - Images show JF-17 flying with CM-400 AKG; October 22, 2014
Images show JF-17 flying with CM-400AKG hypersonic ASM - IHS Jane's 360
Quwa - CM-400 AKG Air-Launched Anti-Ship Missile; May 20, 2026
The Aviationist - Serbian MiG-29 Now Flying with Chinese CM-400 Missiles; March 11, 2026
Serbian MiG-29 Now Flying with Chinese CM-400 Missiles - The Aviationist
