force-multiplier

A Low-Visibility Force Multiplier
and can perform many functions that cruise missiles cannot. The issue is how to integrate
airborne weapons systems, including LACMs, with various components of the air force. 84
LACMs and improved ability to launch them from aircraft may enable China to destroy
Taiwan’s aircraft while they are on the ground or in hardened shelters. Though they are
not yet introduced into the force, at least two types of bomber-launched 500 kg warhead
LACMs are being developed with 1,500 km ranges and 10 m accuracies. 85 Such missiles
could presumably threaten hardened aircraft revetments including the cave entrances to
Taiwan’s underground fighter shelters inside the mountain at Cha Shan Airbase on the
east side of the island. Air-launched LACMs could be used to destroy the command and
control nodes that would otherwise coordinate and direct the intercept of PRC air attacks,
and they could be designated to destroy Taiwan’s aircraft and airfields with submunitions. 86
Table 4.4. PLAN Fixed-wing Aircraft with Cruise Missile Capability 1
Type Manufacturer Role Cruise Missiles In Service First Delivery
H-6G 2
H-6D 3
XAC
XAC
Bomber (missile
variant)
Bomber (missile
variant)
YJ-63, YJ-83, YJ-
83A, KD-88
30–32 2005?
YJ-81, YJ-83 3? 1985
JH-7A 4 XAC Strike fighter/bomber YJ-81, YJ-83, YJ-91 754 2004
JH-7 5 XAC Strike fighter/bomber YJ-81, YJ-83, YJ-91 50–655 1998
Su-30MKK2 Flanker Sukhoi, Russia
Fighter (interceptor/
air defense)
YJ-91, AS-13 24 2004
J-11BH/BSH SAC
Fighter (surface
attack)
YJ-91 4+ ?
J-10A/S
CAC
Fighter (surface
attack)
YJ-81, YJ-83 24 ?
Q-5 Fantan-A HAIC Fighter (surface
attack/strike)
YJ-81 35 1970
Sources
1
Reproduced from Erickson, 117–118. Cruise missile payload capability from the entries for specific aircraft
in Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft.
2
H-6D may be being replaced with H-6G.
3
Ibid.
4
Deliveries ongoing.
5
Ibid.
56