Origins and Debut
Development of the light, medium-range anti-ship missile C-701 (YJ-7) began in China in the mid-1990s. This weapon made its first public appearance at China’s Second International Aviation and Aerospace Show in 1998, marking its global debut.
Operational Capabilities
Known as Yingji-7 (YJ-7) with the export designation C-701, this missile is specifically designed to engage small naval targets, such as patrol boats. Its small diameter provides remarkable versatility, allowing it to be launched from ground installations, helicopters, and aircraft.
The C-701 (YJ-7) boasts an effective range of 15 to 20 kilometers, operating at a cruising speed of Mach 0.8. This combination of range and speed makes it an effective threat for nearby maritime targets.
Advanced Guidance Systems
The missile’s television surveillance and jamming system is similar to those found in American air-to-surface guided missiles like the AGM-65A/B Maverick. Furthermore, the C-701 (YJ-7) can be equipped with an infrared or semi-active homing head, offering flexibility in target detection and tracking.