At the Zhuhai Air Show, China introduced the AKF98A, a state-of-the-art air-launched cruise missile that elevates the standard for stealth and operational range. This advanced missile features cutting-edge technology designed to penetrate enemy defenses and strike high-value targets at extended ranges. Comparable to Western counterparts like the AGM-158 JASSM and Storm Shadow, the AKF98A significantly enhances China’s military capabilities.
The missile’s multi-faceted, angular front design is a key feature, effectively reducing its radar cross-section (RCS) by deflecting radar waves, which improves its stealth characteristics. This innovation makes the AKF98A difficult to detect by radar, thereby minimizing its vulnerability to interception by modern defense systems. By reducing its radar profile, the missile can approach critical targets undetected.
Propelled by a turbojet engine, the AKF98A benefits from superior speed and range, with an estimated operational range of up to 500 kilometers, allowing it to engage targets deep within enemy territory without exposing the launch aircraft to significant risk. The missile’s guidance system integrates China’s Beidou satellite navigation and inertial navigation for the initial flight phase, switching to terminal guidance via radar or infrared seekers for precise targeting, even against mobile threats. This combination ensures the missile’s high accuracy, rivaling the performance of Western equivalents.
The AKF98A is designed to be launched from advanced Chinese fighter aircraft such as the Shenyang J-16D and Xian JH-7A2, adding tactical flexibility to China’s air strike capabilities. The J-16D, an electronic warfare platform, can use the missile to target enemy radars and critical infrastructure, opening corridors through heavily defended airspace. The JH-7A2, optimized for ground strikes, can launch the AKF98A from a safe distance to target installations like ammunition depots or command centers, reducing pilot exposure to enemy defenses.
In the event of heightened tensions with Taiwan, the AKF98A would likely target key Taiwanese air defense assets, including the American-made Patriot PAC-3 systems, designed to counter cruise and ballistic missile threats. These defenses, strategically deployed around critical infrastructure, would be prime targets to disrupt Taiwan’s defensive network. Additionally, Taiwan’s TK-III mobile air defense systems and early-warning radars like the AN/FPS-115 PAVE PAWS could also be targeted to reduce Taiwan’s ability to detect and intercept incoming threats, giving China a decisive advantage in an initial strike.
Visually, the AKF98A incorporates design elements similar to other modern stealth cruise missiles. Its sleek, angular body and retractable wings help minimize radar cross-section, enhancing stealth and allowing it to be stored in the internal bays of fighter aircraft. These features, coupled with a sharp, angular nose, suggest a strong emphasis on radar evasion and aerodynamic efficiency. The missile’s rear exhaust vent is designed to reduce its infrared signature, further enhancing its ability to evade detection by advanced IR sensors employed by systems like the Aegis, THAAD, and Patriot.
The AKF98A’s stealth capabilities are specifically engineered to counter radar and infrared tracking systems used by sophisticated missile defense platforms. Its low RCS and reduced IR emissions allow it to bypass defense networks, providing China with a significant strategic edge in precision strikes, especially in surprise or time-sensitive operations.
In conclusion, the AKF98A is a formidable addition to China’s arsenal, combining advanced stealth, precision, and range to create a highly effective long-range missile. Its design and capabilities suggest it will play a significant role in shaping military strategies in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, marking a significant step in China’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military and assert its global power.
