Long Range Surface Ship Launched Precision Weapons

The US DARPA and Office of Naval Research are collaborating on a new-generation long-range antiship missile (LRASM) that would utilize onboard sensing and processing capabilities to engage moving targets based on initial target cueing. The LRASM, which would be compatible with the legacy Mk 41 VLS, would have the range to engage beyond direct counter-fire ranges of projected threats. One of these might be the Dong Feng 21C (DF-21C) CCS-5 Mod 3, under development by China. With a range of 2,500 km, the two-stage, solid-fuel propelled antiship ballistic missile can be fitted with five types of warhead. The stealthy missile will feature an active radar seeker and image recognition system, and the ability to change trajectory mid-course.