The YJ-18 is a Chinese anti-ship cruise missile designed for naval warfare. It is capable of being launched from various platforms, including submarines, surface ships, and aircraft. The missile features a range of approximately 540 kilometers and can travel at speeds of up to Mach 3, making it a formidable weapon against enemy vessels. The YJ-18 is often compared to the Russian 3M-54 Kalibr missile due to its similar design and capabilities. It employs a two-stage propulsion system, allowing it to fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection before accelerating to higher speeds during its terminal phase.