Serbian fighter jets equipped with China's CM-400AKG hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile

On March 13, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that Serbia's upgraded MiG-29SM+ fighters, refurbished by Russia, were photographed carrying China's CM-400AKG hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile. If the report is true, Serbia will become the second user of the system worldwide.

The CM-400AKG is essentially an anti-radiation air-launched ballistic missile, based on the SY400 tactical missile, and also has an active radar-guided anti-ship model. It weighs about 910 kilograms and is compatible with light fighters like the JF-17; its speed reaches 5.5–5.7 Mach.

After being mounted, the Serbian MiG-29 will become the first fighter in Europe capable of hypersonic strike capability, surpassing the Rafale F4.1/5 and Rafale M, which are still developing the ASN4G hypersonic missile. The range of each model varies from 240 to 400 kilometers.

CM-400AKG guidance system

- Inertial + satellite navigation

- Passive radar seeker

- Infrared/TV guidance (optional)

The Serbian MiG-29 inherited from Yugoslavia, later supplemented by Russia and Belarus. Although its onboard radar is outdated, it can receive target designation from external reconnaissance, and after mounting, its striking capability is significantly enhanced.

In 2024, Serbia purchased a limited configuration French Rafale without Meteor long-range missiles, mainly due to political and accession considerations.

Serbia had previously purchased the Chinese HQ-22 air defense system, replacing Russian S-300/S-400 systems. If the integration of the CM-400AKG is confirmed, it will extend the service life of the MiG-29 and attract users such as Algeria, Myanmar, Belarus, and Turkmenistan.

The report pointed out that the Russian Aerospace Forces could consider purchasing 300–500 CM-400AKG missiles, which are suitable for the MiG-29S/SMT/M2 and MiG-29K, enhancing the ability to strike Ukrainian military targets; the Russian Air Force has over 200 such aircraft, and only needs to install WZHK-1 pylon and upgrade fire control hardware and software to serve as an effective complement to the MiG-31K + Kinzhal.

Russia also has its own R&D solution: the Kh-58U/UShK long-range anti-radiation missile, which is sized for the MiG-29, has a speed of 4 Mach, and an altitude launch range of nearly 245 km. After lightweight warhead, it can further increase the range.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859513730890768/

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