A mid continuing reports of several developmental cruise missile programmes in China, new evidence has emerged of a previously unknown long-range tactical missile system. A photograph showing the test launch of what is assessed as a new anti-ship missile has been released via the Chinese internet - a process that is becoming almost routine for the public disclosure of Chinese defence equipment. Except in its most basic aerodynamic configuration, the new missile bears little resemblance to any current Chinese weapon, although it may be an extremely evolved development of an existing system. The design has been optimised for ship-board canister launch. One clue to this is found in other images from Chinese sources that show the missile undergoing rocket sled tests with its rear fins folded. This design approach would also be suited to any potential land-based variant.
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