MISSILE VISUAL IDENTIFICATION PROFILES
VISUAL IDvisual-id/missiles
MISSILE VISUAL IDENTIFICATION PROFILES
Generated: 2026-03-28 | Purpose: Visual feature matching for AI ordnance identification agent Data Sources: OSINT ordnance inventories (China, Russia, DPRK, Iran)
SAFETY WARNING: All items described are ARMED AND DANGEROUS until confirmed otherwise by qualified EOD. Visual identification is the FIRST step -- it does NOT constitute render-safe assessment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHINA (PRC)
<a name="china-prc"></a>
<a name="china-ballistic-missiles"></a>
CHINESE BALLISTIC MISSILES (DF Series)
DF-11 (CSS-7 / M-11 Export)
designation: "DF-11 / Dong Feng-11"
aliases: ["CSS-7", "M-11 (export)", "East Wind-11"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with conical nose section tapering smoothly to point"
length_m: 7.5
diameter_m: 0.8
length_to_diameter: 9.4
color: "Military olive drab or dark green overall; some seen in flat white for parade display"
finish: "Matte military paint, smooth metal skin"
construction: "Single-stage solid-fuel motor; monolithic body"
nose:
profile: "Ogival -- smoothly tapered conical nosecone"
seeker: "None visible (inertial guidance only on baseline); DF-11A may have small terminal guidance window"
color: "Same as body or slightly darker tip"
material: "Metal nosecone; ablative RV material"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail (aft end of body)"
number: 4
shape: "Trapezoidal, low aspect ratio"
folding: "No"
note: "Fins are relatively small compared to body diameter"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket nozzle, recessed"
booster: "None -- single stage"
exhaust: "Solid propellant exhaust -- dense white/gray smoke trail"
surface_features:
- "Smooth cylindrical body with minimal external features"
- "Possible access panels along body (flush with skin)"
- "Umbilical connector point on lower body near tail"
- "Transport/erector cradle attachment points"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified (Hanzi)"
typical_locations: "Mid-body stencil for serial/lot numbers; base of nosecone"
band_colors: "Warhead type indicator bands may appear near nose-body junction"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: 9.4
fin_span_to_body: "~1.5:1 (fins extend modestly beyond body diameter)"
nose_length_to_body: "~0.15 (short ogival nose relative to total length)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Compact, stubby SRBM -- only 7.5m long with 0.8m diameter"
- "Simple smooth cylindrical body with small cruciform tail fins"
- "Single-stage solid motor -- no visible stage separation joint"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-15 (CSS-6)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-15 is larger (9.1m, 1.0m dia), has a more pronounced conical warhead section with visible separation line"
- designation: "Hwasong-11A (KN-23)"
how_to_distinguish: "KN-23 has distinctive quasi-ballistic body shape with pronounced nose, visible guidance fins; DPRK origin"
- designation: "OTR-21 Tochka (SS-21)"
how_to_distinguish: "Tochka has a very distinctive blunt nose with large forward control fins; much shorter"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Solid-fuel motor may contain residual propellant -- fire/explosion risk. Submunitions variant creates widespread UXO. Do NOT approach warhead section. Minimum 300m exclusion zone."
DF-15 (CSS-6 / M-9 Export)
designation: "DF-15 / Dong Feng-15"
aliases: ["CSS-6", "M-9 (export)", "East Wind-15"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical body with distinctly conical/ogival warhead section; visible warhead-to-body joint line"
length_m: 9.1
diameter_m: 1.0
length_to_diameter: 9.1
color: "Olive drab green (operational); white/cream (parade/test)"
finish: "Matte paint over smooth metal"
nose:
profile: "Ogival, moderately pointed -- more elongated than DF-11"
seeker: "None on baseline; DF-15B has radar scene-matching terminal guidance -- small flat radar window may be visible on RV tip"
color: "Same as body or dark gray/black tip on guided variants"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins, larger than DF-11"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Trapezoidal with swept leading edge"
folding: "No"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket nozzle"
booster: "None -- single stage"
surface_features:
- "Visible joint/separation line between warhead section and motor body"
- "Access panels on body"
- "Warhead section may appear as a distinct cone atop the cylindrical body"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified"
typical_locations: "Mid-body, near warhead junction"
band_colors: "Variant dependent"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: 9.1
warhead_cone_length: "~2.0m conical warhead section"
distinguishing_features:
- "Visible separation line between conical warhead and cylindrical motor body"
- "Larger than DF-11 (9.1m vs 7.5m) with 1.0m diameter"
- "DF-15B may show small flat radar panel on nose tip"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-11 (CSS-7)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-11 is shorter (7.5m), narrower (0.8m), with smoother nose-to-body transition"
- designation: "Iskander-M (SS-26)"
how_to_distinguish: "Iskander has a more angular, squared-off body cross section and lattice-type tail fins"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: DF-15B radar-guided warhead contains active electronic components -- potential electromagnetic hazard during approach. Warhead section may separate from booster on impact. 500m exclusion zone."
DF-16 (CSS-11)
designation: "DF-16 / Dong Feng-16"
aliases: ["CSS-11", "East Wind-16"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short/Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM/MRBM)"
body:
shape: "Elongated cylindrical body, two-stage with visible interstage section"
length_m: 11.0
diameter_m: 1.2
length_to_diameter: 9.2
color: "Olive green (operational); white (test/display)"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV)"
seeker: "Terminal radar correlation -- nose may show flat radar window or sensor aperture"
color: "Dark gray or black nose tip"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail fins on first stage; MaRV may have small control surfaces"
position: "Tail (first stage); forward area (MaRV control surfaces)"
number: 4
shape: "Trapezoidal"
tail:
nozzle: "Single nozzle per stage"
booster: "Two-stage solid motor -- visible interstage joint"
surface_features:
- "Visible two-stage joint at approximately mid-body"
- "MaRV warhead section has aerodynamic control surfaces"
- "Larger diameter than DF-11/15 at 1.2m"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified"
typical_locations: "Mid-body"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: 9.2
distinguishing_features:
- "Two-stage design visible as joint line at mid-body"
- "Larger diameter (1.2m) than DF-11/15"
- "MaRV warhead with small control fins/surfaces"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-15 (CSS-6)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-15 is single-stage (no interstage joint), narrower (1.0m)"
- designation: "DF-21 (CSS-5)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-21 is larger (10.7m, 1.4m dia) with different nose shape"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: MaRV contains flight-control actuators and power supplies that may remain energized post-impact. Two-stage design creates separate debris fields. 500m exclusion zone."
DF-17 (Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Carrier)
designation: "DF-17 / Dong Feng-17"
aliases: ["East Wind-17"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Medium-Range Ballistic Missile with Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV)"
body:
shape: "Two-stage booster (cylindrical) topped by wedge-shaped DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle"
length_m: 11.0
diameter_m: "~1.0-1.4 (booster); HGV is flat/wedge-shaped"
color: "Booster: olive green or white; HGV: dark gray/black with thermal protection"
nose:
profile: "DISTINCTIVE: Flat wedge/delta-shaped HGV instead of traditional conical nosecone"
seeker: "Possible terminal seeker on HGV underside"
color: "Dark gray or charcoal black (thermal protection tiles)"
material: "Ablative thermal protection system on HGV; ceramic/carbon composite tiles"
fins:
type: "Cruciform fins on booster tail; HGV has aerodynamic lifting body shape with control surfaces"
position: "Tail (booster); integral to HGV body"
number: "4 on booster; HGV has delta planform control edges"
tail:
nozzle: "Two-stage solid rocket booster nozzles"
booster: "Two-stage solid booster, separates from HGV at altitude"
surface_features:
- "HGV has flat, wedge-shaped body completely unlike traditional RV cone"
- "Thermal protection tiles visible on HGV surfaces"
- "Aerodynamic control surfaces on HGV trailing edges"
- "HGV may show heat discoloration/ablation marks if recovered post-flight"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified"
typical_locations: "Booster body"
distinguishing_features:
- "UNIQUE: Wedge-shaped HGV payload is visually unlike any conventional missile nosecone"
- "HGV has flat, lifting-body profile -- looks like a small aircraft/glider without wings"
- "Thermal protection tiles (similar in concept to space shuttle tiles) on HGV surface"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-21D ASBM"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-21D has a traditional conical MaRV, not a flat wedge HGV"
- designation: "Russian Avangard HGV"
how_to_distinguish: "Avangard is carried by much larger ICBM (RS-28 Sarmat); similar HGV concept but different scale"
eod_hazard_on_id: "EXTREME CAUTION: HGV contains exotic materials (thermal tiles, advanced composites). Treat as highest-priority UXO -- likely contains sensitive guidance technology. Contact national-level assets immediately. Do not disturb."
DF-21 (CSS-5) / DF-21D Anti-Ship Variant
designation: "DF-21 / Dong Feng-21"
aliases: ["CSS-5 Mod 1/2 (baseline)", "CSS-5 Mod 4 (DF-21D)", "East Wind-21", "Carrier Killer (DF-21D)"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) / Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical two-stage body with conical/ogival re-entry vehicle"
length_m: 10.7
diameter_m: 1.4
length_to_diameter: 7.6
color: "Olive drab green (operational); white (parade)"
nose:
profile: "Conical re-entry vehicle; DF-21D has MaRV with terminal sensors"
seeker: "DF-21D: SAR radar antenna and optical sensors visible on RV -- look for flat sensor panels or radar aperture on MaRV surface"
color: "RV nose may be darker (ablative material); DF-21D sensor windows may appear as distinct dark panels"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail fins on first stage"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Trapezoidal"
tail:
nozzle: "Two-stage solid nozzles"
booster: "Two-stage solid motor with visible interstage joint"
surface_features:
- "Two-stage interstage joint visible at approximately 40% from tail"
- "DF-21D MaRV has visible sensor panels (flat areas on otherwise conical RV)"
- "RV will show heavy ablation marks from re-entry if recovered post-flight"
- "1.4m diameter -- noticeably thicker than DF-11/15/16"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified"
typical_locations: "First stage body, near interstage"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: 7.6
note: "Stockier proportions than DF-11/15/16"
distinguishing_features:
- "Relatively thick/stocky body (L/D 7.6) compared to other Chinese SRBMs"
- "1.4m diameter -- same as DF-26 but shorter"
- "DF-21D: sensor apertures visible on MaRV surface distinguish from conventional DF-21"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-26 (CSS-18)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-26 is significantly longer (~14m vs 10.7m) but same 1.4m diameter; DF-26 is on larger 12x12 TEL"
- designation: "DF-16 (CSS-11)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-16 is narrower (1.2m) and longer relative proportions"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: DF-21D MaRV contains active radar/optical sensors and batteries that may remain powered post-impact. RV will be heavily ablated from re-entry -- difficult to identify visually. Nuclear variants require OPREP-3 PINNACLE reporting. 500m minimum exclusion zone."
DF-26 (CSS-18 / "Guam Killer")
designation: "DF-26 / Dong Feng-26"
aliases: ["CSS-18", "Guam Killer", "East Wind-26"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)"
body:
shape: "Long cylindrical two-stage body; largest PLA road-mobile tactical missile"
length_m: 14.0
diameter_m: 1.4
length_to_diameter: 10.0
color: "Olive green (operational); white (parade/display)"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival RV; modular warhead section"
seeker: "Anti-ship variant (DF-26B) has active terminal seeker -- sensor aperture on RV"
color: "Dark nose tip (ablative); sensor windows may be visible on DF-26B"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Trapezoidal"
tail:
nozzle: "Two-stage solid nozzles"
booster: "Two-stage solid -- visible interstage joint"
surface_features:
- "Two-stage joint visible"
- "Modular warhead section -- warhead-to-body interface may show different paint or access panels"
- "Larger than DF-21 despite same 1.4m diameter -- noticeably longer (14m vs 10.7m)"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified"
typical_locations: "Mid-body"
distinguishing_features:
- "Long, slender profile (L/D 10.0) -- longest Chinese road-mobile tactical BM"
- "Same 1.4m diameter as DF-21 but 3.3m longer"
- "Carried on massive 12x12 TEL (DF-21 uses 10x10)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-21 (CSS-5)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-21 is shorter (10.7m); DF-26 rides on larger 12x12 TEL"
- designation: "DF-31 (CSS-10)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-31 is thicker (2.0m diameter), three-stage ICBM"
eod_hazard_on_id: "EXTREME DANGER: DUAL-CAPABLE (nuclear or conventional). Any recovered warhead must be treated as POTENTIAL NUCLEAR until confirmed otherwise. DF-26B anti-ship variant has active radar seeker -- EMI hazard. 1000m exclusion zone; contact national-level assets."
DF-31 (CSS-10) / DF-31A/AG
designation: "DF-31 / Dong Feng-31"
aliases: ["CSS-10", "East Wind-31"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical three-stage solid body, road-mobile"
length_m: "15 (DF-31); 18 (DF-31A/AG)"
diameter_m: 2.0
length_to_diameter: "7.5 (DF-31); 9.0 (DF-31A)"
color: "Olive green (operational); white (test)"
nose:
profile: "Conical nuclear re-entry vehicle"
seeker: "None -- nuclear delivery"
color: "Dark (ablative nose tip)"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Three-stage solid nozzles"
booster: "Three-stage with two visible interstage joints"
surface_features:
- "Two interstage joint lines visible along body"
- "2.0m diameter -- notably thicker than DF-21/26"
- "Road-mobile on massive HY4330 16x16 chassis TEL"
distinguishing_features:
- "Three-stage design with two visible interstage joints"
- "2.0m diameter -- a step up from tactical missiles"
- "Road-mobile ICBM on very large 16x16 TEL"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-41 (CSS-X-20)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-41 is longer (21-22m), thicker (2.25m), on even larger TEL"
- designation: "JL-2 (CSS-N-14)"
how_to_distinguish: "JL-2 is submarine-launched variant, shorter (13m); same 2.0m diameter"
eod_hazard_on_id: "NUCLEAR WEAPON. IMMEDIATE OPREP-3 PINNACLE NUCFLASH. Maximum standoff. Do not disturb. Contact national-level EOD/NEST assets. Thermonuclear warhead."
DF-41 (CSS-X-20)
designation: "DF-41 / Dong Feng-41"
aliases: ["CSS-X-20", "East Wind-41"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)"
body:
shape: "Very large cylindrical three-stage solid body"
length_m: "21-22"
diameter_m: 2.25
length_to_diameter: "~9.5"
color: "Olive green or camouflage pattern"
nose:
profile: "Conical shroud covering MIRV bus (up to 10 warheads)"
seeker: "None"
color: "Dark ablative"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Three-stage solid"
booster: "Three-stage with PBV (post-boost vehicle) above third stage"
surface_features:
- "Two interstage joints"
- "Largest Chinese road-mobile missile -- 2.25m diameter, 21m+ long"
- "PBV section between third stage and nosecone shroud"
distinguishing_features:
- "Largest Chinese ICBM -- massive 21-22m length, 2.25m diameter"
- "Road-mobile on enormous TEL or silo-based"
- "MIRV nose shroud may be slightly bulged compared to single-warhead ICBMs"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-31A (CSS-10)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-31A is shorter (18m), narrower (2.0m)"
- designation: "RS-24 Yars (SS-27)"
how_to_distinguish: "Different TEL vehicle; Russian markings; slightly different proportions"
eod_hazard_on_id: "NUCLEAR WEAPON -- HIGHEST PRIORITY. Up to 10 MIRVed warheads. Each warhead is separate nuclear device. PBV may contain hypergolic propellants (UDMH/N2O4) -- TOXIC. OPREP-3 PINNACLE NUCFLASH. National-level response only."
JL-2 (CSS-N-14) / JL-3 (CSS-NX-20) -- Submarine-Launched
designation: "JL-2 / Ju Lang-2 and JL-3 / Ju Lang-3"
aliases: ["CSS-N-14 (JL-2)", "CSS-NX-20 (JL-3)", "Giant Wave"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical three-stage solid; designed for submarine launch tube"
length_m: "13 (JL-2); 13-14 (JL-3 est.)"
diameter_m: "2.0 (JL-2); 2.0-2.25 (JL-3 est.)"
color: "Dark gray or black (submarine operations); may be seen in white for test launches"
nose:
profile: "Conical nuclear RV / MIRV nose shroud"
seeker: "None"
color: "Dark"
fins:
type: "Small stabilizing fins or none (submarine-launched, canister ejected)"
position: "Tail (if present)"
tail:
nozzle: "Three-stage solid"
booster: "Three-stage; cold-launched from submarine tube"
surface_features:
- "Submarine launch canister may be present if recovered near launch site"
- "May show saltwater corrosion if recovered from maritime environment"
- "Shorter than land-based DF-31 but same diameter class"
distinguishing_features:
- "Compact ICBM proportions (13m length) designed for submarine missile tubes"
- "Likely recovered from maritime environment -- saltwater damage"
- "Three-stage solid design similar to DF-31 but shorter"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-31 (CSS-10)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-31 is land-based, longer (15-18m); JL-2 is more compact for submarine tube"
- designation: "RSM-56 Bulava (SS-N-32)"
how_to_distinguish: "Bulava is Russian with Cyrillic markings; similar submarine SLBM concept"
eod_hazard_on_id: "NUCLEAR WEAPON. OPREP-3 PINNACLE NUCFLASH. Maritime recovery adds saltwater corrosion concerns to nuclear material containment. National-level response only."
<a name="china-cruise-missiles"></a>
CHINESE CRUISE MISSILES (CJ Series)
CJ-10 / DH-10 (CSS-X-10 / Long Sword-10) -- Ground-Launched
designation: "CJ-10 / DH-10 / Chang Jian-10"
aliases: ["CSS-X-10", "Long Sword-10", "DF-10"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LACM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical/tubular fuselage with pop-out mid-body wings; aircraft-like cruise missile profile"
length_m: 8.3
diameter_m: 0.68
wingspan_m: 2.5
length_to_diameter: 12.2
color: "Light gray or white overall; some variants olive drab"
finish: "Smooth skin with radar-absorbing coating"
nose:
profile: "Rounded/ogival nose with possible DSMAC sensor window"
seeker: "Electro-optical DSMAC terminal seeker window may be visible as small dark aperture on underside or nose"
color: "Same as body or slightly darker nose tip"
fins:
type: "Mid-body pop-out/folding swept wings + cruciform tail control surfaces"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Control fins: tail"
number: "2 wings + 4 tail control surfaces"
shape: "Wings: swept, high aspect ratio; Tail: small cruciform control fins"
folding: "YES -- wings fold for canister storage, deploy after launch"
tail:
nozzle: "Small turbofan exhaust at rear (circular)"
booster: "Solid rocket booster for initial launch (separates after boost phase)"
exhaust: "Turbofan exhaust -- minimal visible exhaust during cruise"
surface_features:
- "Pop-out mid-body wings are PRIMARY visual feature when deployed"
- "Turbofan air intake -- likely ventral (underside) scoop or flush intake"
- "DSMAC or EO sensor window on nose/underside"
- "Composite materials and RAM coating give smooth, low-observable finish"
- "Booster attachment points at rear (if booster still attached)"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified"
typical_locations: "Body mid-section"
band_colors: "Nuclear-capable -- warhead type cannot be determined externally"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: 12.2
wingspan_to_body_length: "~0.3 (wings deploy to ~2.5m span)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Pop-out swept wings at mid-body -- unmistakable cruise missile profile when deployed"
- "Small turbofan engine exhaust at rear"
- "Ventral air intake scoop"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-55 / AS-15 Kent"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-55 is shorter (6.04m), has distinctive ventral engine pod that deploys below body on pylon; CJ-10 has integrated engine"
- designation: "US BGM-109 Tomahawk"
how_to_distinguish: "Tomahawk has pop-out wings farther forward, different tail fin configuration; US markings"
- designation: "Kh-101 / AS-23A"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-101 has more pronounced faceted stealth shaping; different nose profile"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Nuclear-capable -- treat as potential nuclear until confirmed conventional. Residual jet fuel fire hazard. Pop-out wings may deploy unexpectedly on UXO. Booster may contain residual solid propellant. 500m exclusion zone."
CJ-20 / KD-20 (Long Sword-20) -- Air-Launched
designation: "CJ-20 / KD-20 / Kong Di-20"
aliases: ["Long Sword-20", "Chang Jian-20"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM)"
body:
shape: "Similar to CJ-10 but may lack booster section; cylindrical fuselage with folding wings"
length_m: 8.0
diameter_m: "~0.5-0.68"
color: "Light gray or white"
nose:
profile: "Rounded/ogival"
seeker: "TERCOM + possible EO terminal"
color: "Gray"
fins:
type: "Folding swept wings + cruciform tail"
position: "Wings mid-body; tail control surfaces"
folding: "YES -- wings fold for H-6 bomber carriage"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbofan exhaust"
booster: "None (air-launched -- no booster needed)"
surface_features:
- "Spring-loaded wing deployment mechanism"
- "Pylon attachment hardpoints for H-6 bomber carriage"
- "No booster section -- distinguishing from ground-launched CJ-10"
distinguishing_features:
- "Identical to CJ-10 in general shape but WITHOUT solid rocket booster"
- "Pylon mounting hardware visible on top of body"
- "Slightly shorter than CJ-10 (no booster)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "CJ-10 (ground-launched)"
how_to_distinguish: "CJ-10 has booster section; CJ-20 does not"
- designation: "Kh-55SM (AS-15 Kent)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-55SM has distinctive ventral engine pod on deployed pylon"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Nuclear-capable. Jet fuel fire hazard. Spring-loaded wing deployment mechanism is a mechanical hazard. 500m exclusion zone."
<a name="china-anti-ship-missiles"></a>
CHINESE ANTI-SHIP MISSILES (YJ Series)
YJ-83 / C-802 (CSS-N-8 Saccade)
designation: "YJ-83 / C-802"
aliases: ["CSS-N-8 Saccade", "Ying Ji-83", "Eagle Strike-83", "C-802A (extended range)"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Subsonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical fuselage with mid-body swept wings and ventral air intake scoop"
length_m: 6.4
diameter_m: 0.36
wingspan_m: 1.2
length_to_diameter: 17.75
color: "White or light gray overall"
finish: "Smooth painted metal"
nose:
profile: "Conical with radar dome (radome)"
seeker: "Active radar seeker -- semi-transparent radome covering dish antenna"
color: "Darker gray or black radome tip; distinct color contrast from white body"
fins:
type: "Cruciform mid-body wings + cruciform tail control fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body (approximately center); Tail: aft"
number: "4 wings + 4 tail fins"
shape: "Wings: swept, mid-mounted, moderate span; Tail: smaller cruciform control surfaces"
folding: "Wings may fold for canister storage"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet exhaust (circular, small diameter)"
booster: "Solid rocket booster attached at rear -- 4 fixed stabilizing fins on booster"
exhaust: "Turbojet cruise exhaust; dense smoke during booster phase"
surface_features:
- "VENTRAL AIR INTAKE SCOOP on underside -- PRIMARY distinguishing feature"
- "Mid-body swept wings clearly visible in flight/deployed configuration"
- "Solid booster section at rear with 4 small fins (separates after boost)"
- "Active radar seeker radome at nose -- distinct dark color"
- "Small body diameter (0.36m) -- slender missile"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified (domestic YJ-83); may have export customer markings"
typical_locations: "Body mid-section; serial/lot numbers"
band_colors: "Varies by warhead configuration"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: 17.75
wingspan_to_length: "~0.19"
note: "Very slender profile -- long and thin"
distinguishing_features:
- "Ventral (underside) air intake scoop for turbojet engine"
- "Mid-body swept wings distinguish from SAMs of similar size"
- "Dark radome nose tip contrasting with white body"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "AGM-84 Harpoon"
how_to_distinguish: "Harpoon has ventral fin + different intake geometry (chin intake); different wing position"
- designation: "Exocet MM40"
how_to_distinguish: "Exocet has cruciform wings farther aft, different nose shape, no ventral intake"
- designation: "Noor (Iranian C-802 copy)"
how_to_distinguish: "Nearly identical -- distinguish by markings (Farsi vs Chinese), missile color variations, and seeker modifications"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Semi-armor-piercing warhead with DELAYED FUZE -- designed to penetrate ship hull before detonation. UXO may be embedded in structure with armed fuze. Active radar seeker is RF emission hazard. Turbojet fuel is fire hazard. 500m exclusion zone. Do NOT approach nose-on."
YJ-12 / CM-302 (Eagle Strike-12)
designation: "YJ-12 / CM-302"
aliases: ["Ying Ji-12", "Eagle Strike-12"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Supersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile"
body:
shape: "Thick cylindrical body with prominent ramjet air intakes"
length_m: 6.3
diameter_m: 0.6
length_to_diameter: 10.5
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome"
seeker: "Active/passive dual-mode radar seeker -- radome covering antenna"
color: "Dark gray/black radome"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail fins; possible chin intakes or side-mounted air intakes"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Small trapezoidal stabilizing fins"
tail:
nozzle: "Ramjet exhaust (large diameter relative to body)"
booster: "Solid rocket booster integral or attached (ignites ramjet after boost)"
surface_features:
- "PROMINENT AIR INTAKES for ramjet propulsion -- may be chin-mounted, side-mounted, or underslung"
- "Thicker body than YJ-83 (0.6m vs 0.36m)"
- "Ramjet intake geometry is PRIMARY visual identifier"
- "No mid-body wings (unlike YJ-83)"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "Thick body with ramjet air intakes -- clearly a supersonic missile"
- "No mid-body wings (unlike subsonic YJ-83)"
- "Larger diameter (0.6m) than YJ-83 (0.36m) -- noticeably fatter"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "P-800 Oniks / BrahMos"
how_to_distinguish: "Oniks/BrahMos has 4 prominent ram air intakes in a cross pattern around body; different nose shape; longer (8.9m)"
- designation: "Kh-31A (AS-17 Krypton)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-31 is shorter (4.7m), narrower (0.36m); different intake arrangement"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Ramjet fuel residue -- fire and toxic hazard. 400-500kg warhead -- massive blast hazard. Dual-mode radar seeker -- RF emission and sensitivity to radar illumination. Supersonic impact creates extreme kinetic energy damage. 500m exclusion zone."
YJ-18 (CH-SS-NX-13 / Eagle Strike-18)
designation: "YJ-18 / Ying Ji-18"
aliases: ["CH-SS-NX-13", "Eagle Strike-18"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Subsonic/Supersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (Dual-Speed)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical; TWO-PART design -- subsonic bus section + supersonic terminal dart"
length_m: 8.0
diameter_m: 0.533
length_to_diameter: 15.0
color: "Light gray or white"
nose:
profile: "Subsonic bus: rounded nose; Supersonic dart: conical radome"
seeker: "Active radar seeker in supersonic dart nose section"
color: "Dark radome on dart section"
fins:
type: "Pop-out wings on bus section; small fins on supersonic dart"
position: "Bus: mid-body; Dart: tail"
folding: "YES -- wings fold for VLS launch"
tail:
nozzle: "Bus: turbojet exhaust; Dart: solid rocket motor"
booster: "Bus section acts as first stage; dart separates for terminal sprint"
surface_features:
- "VLS-compatible diameter (533mm) -- compact, dense construction"
- "May recover EITHER the bus section OR the dart section as UXO -- they separate in flight"
- "Bus section has turbojet engine and pop-out wings"
- "Dart section is smaller, conical, with solid rocket motor and warhead"
distinguishing_features:
- "TWO-STAGE DESIGN creates two separate UXO items"
- "533mm diameter (torpedo-tube compatible)"
- "Bus section looks like a small subsonic cruise missile; dart is a small supersonic weapon"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "3M14 Kalibr (SS-N-30A)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kalibr has similar concept but different proportions; Russian markings (Cyrillic)"
- designation: "YJ-83 / C-802"
how_to_distinguish: "YJ-83 is a single-body missile; YJ-18 is two-part"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: TWO separate UXO items -- bus and dart. Warhead is in dart section. Bus contains turbojet fuel (fire hazard). Dart contains solid rocket motor + warhead + active radar seeker. 500m exclusion zone for either section."
YJ-21 (Eagle Strike-21) -- Hypersonic ASBM
designation: "YJ-21 / Ying Ji-21"
aliases: ["Eagle Strike-21"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Hypersonic Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with hypersonic re-entry body; VLS-launched from warships"
length_m: "7-8 (estimated)"
diameter_m: "~0.6-0.7"
color: "Gray or white"
nose:
profile: "Conical or waverider-type hypersonic body"
seeker: "Terminal seeker (type unconfirmed)"
color: "Dark (thermal protection)"
fins:
type: "Small stabilizing fins"
position: "Tail"
tail:
nozzle: "Solid rocket booster"
booster: "Solid booster for initial acceleration"
surface_features:
- "Thermal protection system on nose/body (may show heat ablation)"
- "Launched from Type 055 destroyer VLS"
- "Novel weapon -- limited identification data"
distinguishing_features:
- "Hypersonic impact body with thermal protection tiles/coating"
- "Heat-ablated surface if recovered post-flight"
- "VLS-compatible diameter"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "3M22 Zircon / Tsirkon"
how_to_distinguish: "Zircon is Russian with Cyrillic markings; scramjet propulsion vs ballistic trajectory"
- designation: "CM-401"
how_to_distinguish: "CM-401 is shorter range (290km), solid fuel throughout; different profile"
eod_hazard_on_id: "EXTREME CAUTION: Hypersonic impact (Mach 10 terminal) creates extreme kinetic energy even without detonation. Thermal protection may contain exotic/toxic materials. High-priority intelligence recovery item. 500m exclusion zone."
YJ-62 / C-602 (Eagle Strike-62)
designation: "YJ-62 / C-602"
aliases: ["Ying Ji-62", "Eagle Strike-62", "CM-602G (land-attack export)"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Subsonic Anti-Ship/Land-Attack Cruise Missile"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with mid-body wings; similar profile to YJ-83 but larger"
length_m: 7.0
diameter_m: "~0.5-0.6"
length_to_diameter: "~13"
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome"
seeker: "Active radar seeker under radome"
color: "Dark gray/black radome"
fins:
type: "Mid-body swept wings + cruciform tail control fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "Wings may fold"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet exhaust"
booster: "Solid booster attached at rear"
surface_features:
- "Ventral air intake for turbojet"
- "Larger than YJ-83 -- 7.0m vs 6.4m"
- "Similar overall configuration to YJ-83 but heavier and longer-ranged"
distinguishing_features:
- "Larger version of YJ-83 profile -- same configuration but bigger"
- "7.0m length vs 6.4m for YJ-83"
- "Heavier warhead (210-300kg vs 165-190kg)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "YJ-83 / C-802"
how_to_distinguish: "YJ-62 is larger overall (7.0m vs 6.4m); thicker body; heavier"
- designation: "CJ-10 cruise missile"
how_to_distinguish: "CJ-10 is longer (8.3m) with wider wingspan; land-attack only"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Active radar seeker. Turbojet fuel fire hazard. Land-attack variant (CM-602G) has heavy penetrating warhead (480kg) that may embed deeply in structures. 500m exclusion zone."
CM-401 -- Hypersonic ASBM (Export)
designation: "CM-401"
aliases: []
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short-Range Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile"
body:
shape: "Conical/cylindrical solid-fuel body"
length_m: 7.0
diameter_m: "~0.5-0.6"
color: "White (display); likely gray or green operational"
nose:
profile: "Conical with terminal seeker"
seeker: "INS + satellite midcourse + terminal seeker (type unconfirmed)"
color: "Dark nose tip"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket nozzle"
booster: "Single-stage solid"
surface_features:
- "Compact ASBM design"
- "Near-vertical terminal dive trajectory"
- "Marketed for export -- may appear in multiple theaters"
distinguishing_features:
- "Compact ASBM (~7m) designed for near-vertical terminal dive"
- "Solid-fuel -- simpler profile than ramjet-powered supersonic AShMs"
- "Export weapon -- first ASBM offered for international sale"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Fateh-110 / Khalij Fars (Iranian)"
how_to_distinguish: "Fateh family is longer (8.86m), Iranian markings (Farsi)"
- designation: "YJ-21"
how_to_distinguish: "YJ-21 is VLS-launched from Type 055; CM-401 is land-based TEL"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: High-speed impact (Mach 4-6) creates deep crater and extreme kinetic energy. Solid propellant may be present. 300m exclusion zone."
<a name="china-air-to-air-missiles"></a>
CHINESE AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES (PL Series)
PL-5 (Thunderbolt-5) -- Short Range IR
designation: "PL-5 / Thunderbolt-5"
aliases: ["PL-5B", "PL-5C", "PL-5E"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short-Range IR-Homing Air-to-Air Missile (AAM)"
body:
shape: "Slender cylindrical body"
length_m: "2.89-3.13"
diameter_m: 0.127
length_to_diameter: "~23-25"
color: "White or light gray body"
nose:
profile: "Hemispherical IR seeker dome"
seeker: "IR window -- glass/sapphire dome; uncooled (PL-5B) or cooled (PL-5E)"
color: "Dark (IR-transparent seeker dome appears black or dark gray)"
fins:
type: "Cruciform delta tail fins + forward canard control surfaces (some variants)"
position: "Tail fins; canards near nose (variant dependent)"
number: "4 tail + 4 canards (on applicable variants)"
shape: "Delta/triangular tail fins"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket nozzle"
booster: "None -- single-stage solid motor"
surface_features:
- "Hemispherical dark IR seeker dome on nose"
- "Very slender body (127mm diameter)"
- "Small missile overall -- ~3m long"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified; export variants may have customer markings"
typical_locations: "Body mid-section"
distinguishing_features:
- "Small, slender missile (~3m, 127mm diameter)"
- "Hemispherical dark IR seeker dome at nose"
- "Cruciform delta tail fins"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "AIM-9 Sidewinder"
how_to_distinguish: "Sidewinder has distinctive roller-on canard nose fins and double-delta tail fins"
- designation: "R-73 (AA-11 Archer)"
how_to_distinguish: "R-73 is slightly wider (170mm); has distinctive forward-swept canards"
- designation: "PL-8 (Python-3 derivative)"
how_to_distinguish: "PL-8 is wider (160mm) with different nose and canard geometry"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Solid rocket motor with potential residual propellant. HE-fragmentation warhead with proximity fuze -- sensitive to RF and physical disturbance. IR seeker window is fragile glass/sapphire. 100m exclusion zone."
PL-8 (Thunderbolt-8 / Python-3 Derivative)
designation: "PL-8 / Thunderbolt-8"
aliases: ["Python-3 derivative"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short-Range IR-Homing AAM"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical"
length_m: 3.0
diameter_m: 0.16
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Hemispherical IR seeker dome"
seeker: "All-aspect IR seeker (derived from Israeli Python-3)"
color: "Dark IR window"
fins:
type: "Cruciform canard control fins + cruciform tail fins"
position: "Canards: forward; Tail: aft"
number: "4 + 4"
surface_features:
- "Python-3 derivative -- similar overall appearance to Israeli Python-3"
- "Dual-thrust solid rocket motor"
distinguishing_features:
- "Python-3 body style with Chinese markings"
- "Slightly larger than PL-5 (160mm vs 127mm diameter)"
- "Canard + tail fin configuration"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Python-3 (Israeli)"
how_to_distinguish: "Markings -- Hebrew vs Chinese; otherwise very similar"
- designation: "PL-5E"
how_to_distinguish: "PL-5E is narrower (127mm); different canard geometry"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Active laser proximity fuze -- DO NOT illuminate with laser designators or rangefinders. Continuous-rod warhead. Solid motor residual propellant. 100m exclusion zone."
PL-10 (Thunderbolt-10) -- 5th Gen WVR
designation: "PL-10 / Thunderbolt-10"
aliases: []
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short-Range IR-Homing AAM (5th Generation)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with thrust-vector controlled (TVC) nozzle at rear"
length_m: 3.0
diameter_m: 0.16
color: "White body"
nose:
profile: "Hemispherical IIR (imaging infrared) seeker dome"
seeker: "Multi-element imaging IR seeker; variant with miniature active radar seeker observed"
color: "Dark IR window / seeker dome"
fins:
type: "Small strakes or no traditional fins; thrust-vector control provides maneuverability"
position: "Small tail control surfaces"
note: "TVC nozzle is the primary steering mechanism -- look for articulated nozzle at rear"
tail:
nozzle: "Thrust-vector controlled (TVC) -- articulated/gimbaled nozzle visible at rear"
booster: "Single-stage solid with TVC"
surface_features:
- "TVC nozzle at rear -- visible as articulated/gimbaled exhaust"
- "Very clean, modern aerodynamic design with minimal external features"
- "IIR seeker dome at nose"
distinguishing_features:
- "TVC nozzle at rear -- nozzle can articulate/swivel (visible joints/gimbal mechanism)"
- "Clean body design with minimal fin area"
- "Modern 5th-gen AAM -- carried by J-20 stealth fighter"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "AIM-9X Sidewinder"
how_to_distinguish: "AIM-9X has jet vane TVC inside nozzle, not articulated nozzle; different canard geometry"
- designation: "IRIS-T"
how_to_distinguish: "IRIS-T has distinctive grid-pattern TVC deflector vanes; different body shape"
- designation: "R-74M (AA-11 Archer B)"
how_to_distinguish: "R-74M has forward-swept canards; different TVC implementation"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: TVC servo-actuators and power supply may be energized. Laser proximity fuze -- no laser illumination. IIR seeker is sensitive optical system. Expanding rod warhead. 100m exclusion zone."
PL-12 / SD-10 (Thunderbolt-12) -- BVR Active Radar
designation: "PL-12 / SD-10"
aliases: ["Thunderbolt-12", "SD-10 (export)"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Beyond-Visual-Range Active Radar-Homing AAM"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with cruciform fins"
length_m: 3.85
diameter_m: 0.203
length_to_diameter: 19.0
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Ogival/conical with radar radome"
seeker: "Active radar seeker -- radome covering planar array antenna"
color: "Gray or dark radome tip distinct from white body"
fins:
type: "Cruciform mid-body strakes + cruciform tail control fins"
position: "Strakes: mid-body; Control fins: tail"
number: "4 strakes + 4 tail fins"
shape: "Strakes: low-profile rectangular; Tail fins: trapezoidal"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket motor nozzle"
booster: "Variable-thrust solid motor"
surface_features:
- "Radar radome at nose -- distinct gray/dark color"
- "Mid-body strakes (low-profile longitudinal fins)"
- "Cruciform tail control fins"
- "Datalink antenna section on body"
distinguishing_features:
- "BVR AAM size class (~3.85m, 203mm diameter)"
- "Radar radome at nose"
- "Mid-body strakes + tail fins configuration"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "AIM-120 AMRAAM"
how_to_distinguish: "AMRAAM has different strake/fin proportions; US markings; slightly different nose shape"
- designation: "R-77 (AA-12 Adder)"
how_to_distinguish: "R-77 has DISTINCTIVE lattice/grid tail fins -- unmistakable identifier"
- designation: "PL-15"
how_to_distinguish: "PL-15 is slightly longer with AESA radar seeker; dual-pulse motor"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Active radar seeker transmitter -- potential RF emission hazard. Datalink receiver may respond to signals. Radar proximity fuze sensitive to RF. 100m exclusion zone."
PL-15 (Thunderbolt-15) -- Very Long Range BVR
designation: "PL-15 / PL-15E (export)"
aliases: ["Thunderbolt-15"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Very Long-Range BVR AAM"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical; slightly longer than PL-12"
length_m: 4.0
diameter_m: 0.203
length_to_diameter: 19.7
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Ogival with AESA radar radome"
seeker: "Miniature Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar -- flat-panel antenna behind radome"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "Cruciform strakes + cruciform tail fins"
position: "Mid-body strakes; tail fins"
number: "4 + 4"
tail:
nozzle: "Dual-pulse solid rocket motor nozzle"
booster: "Dual-pulse motor (two separate propellant charges)"
surface_features:
- "AESA radar radome at nose -- may appear slightly different shape than standard planar array"
- "Dual-pulse motor -- two burn durations for extended range"
- "Very similar external appearance to PL-12 but slightly longer"
distinguishing_features:
- "Most advanced Chinese AAM -- slightly longer than PL-12"
- "AESA seeker radome (subtle difference from PL-12 conventional seeker)"
- "Carried by J-20 stealth fighter (internal bay)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "PL-12 / SD-10"
how_to_distinguish: "PL-15 is slightly longer (~4.0m vs 3.85m); AESA seeker"
- designation: "AIM-120D AMRAAM"
how_to_distinguish: "US markings; different nose/radome shape"
- designation: "MBDA Meteor"
how_to_distinguish: "Meteor has ramjet propulsion with visible air intakes; very different"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: AESA radar seeker may emit RF if residual power source intact. Dual-pulse motor has two separate propellant charges -- both must be assessed. 100m exclusion zone."
PL-21 -- Very Long Range Ramjet
designation: "PL-21"
aliases: []
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Very Long-Range BVR AAM with Ramjet Propulsion"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with central air inlet for ramjet"
length_m: "4.0+"
diameter_m: "~0.2+"
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Ogival with active radar seeker"
seeker: "Active radar seeker radome"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "4 small stabilizing fins behind seeker"
position: "Forward body; possible mid-body intakes"
note: "Central air inlet similar to MBDA Meteor"
tail:
nozzle: "Ramjet exhaust"
booster: "Integrated solid rocket/ramjet motor"
surface_features:
- "CENTRAL AIR INLET for ramjet propulsion -- major visual identifier"
- "Similar configuration to MBDA Meteor"
- "Air intake may be nose-mounted (annular) or body-mounted"
distinguishing_features:
- "Ramjet air intake -- clearly different from solid-motor-only AAMs"
- "Similar to MBDA Meteor in configuration"
- "Still in development/early deployment -- limited identification data"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "MBDA Meteor"
how_to_distinguish: "Meteor has side-mounted intakes; different body proportions; European markings"
- designation: "PL-15"
how_to_distinguish: "PL-15 has no air intakes (solid motor only)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Ramjet fuel residue -- fire/toxic hazard. Active radar seeker. Solid motor components. 100m exclusion zone."
<a name="china-surface-to-air-missiles"></a>
CHINESE SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES (HQ Series)
HQ-7 / FM-80 / FM-90 (Red Banner-7)
designation: "HQ-7 / FM-80 / FM-90"
aliases: ["Hong Qi-7", "Red Banner-7", "Crotale derivative"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short-Range SAM (SHORAD)"
body:
shape: "Slender cylindrical; Crotale-derived design"
length_m: 2.9
diameter_m: 0.156
length_to_diameter: 18.6
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Ogival/pointed"
seeker: "None (radio command guided -- SACLOS)"
color: "Same as body"
fins:
type: "Cruciform delta tail fins + small forward canards"
position: "Tail fins; forward canards"
number: "4 + 4"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid motor"
booster: "None"
surface_features:
- "French Crotale derivative -- similar appearance"
- "Small missile (~84kg, 2.9m)"
- "Launched from box launchers on 6x6 vehicle or naval launcher"
distinguishing_features:
- "Small SHORAD missile -- Crotale lookalike"
- "Very slender (156mm diameter)"
- "Delta-shaped tail fins"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Crotale R-440"
how_to_distinguish: "Very similar -- distinguish by launcher vehicle and markings"
- designation: "HQ-17 (Tor derivative)"
how_to_distinguish: "HQ-17 is wider (230mm) and launched from VLS on tracked vehicle"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: HE-fragmentation warhead with proximity fuze -- sensitive. Small missile but still hazardous. 100m exclusion zone."
HQ-9 / FD-2000 (Red Banner-9)
designation: "HQ-9 / FD-2000"
aliases: ["Hong Qi-9", "Red Banner-9", "HQ-9A", "HQ-9B", "HHQ-9 (naval)"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Long-Range SAM"
body:
shape: "Large cylindrical body -- substantial missile (~2 tons)"
length_m: 6.8
diameter_m: 0.47
length_to_diameter: 14.5
color: "White or olive drab"
nose:
profile: "Ogival with radar radome"
seeker: "Active radar homing (HQ-9); HQ-9B adds passive IR seeker (dual-mode)"
color: "Dark gray/black radome; HQ-9B may show additional IR window"
fins:
type: "Cruciform delta tail fins + possible mid-body strakes"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Large delta/trapezoidal"
tail:
nozzle: "Large solid rocket motor"
booster: "Single-stage solid"
surface_features:
- "Large, heavy missile (~1,800-2,000 kg)"
- "VLS canister-launched from 8x8 TEL"
- "Active radar radome at nose"
- "HQ-9B: dual-mode seeker -- look for IR window alongside radar radome"
markings:
language: "Chinese Simplified; FK-3 export has export customer markings"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "Large SAM (6.8m, ~2 tons) -- comparable in size to S-300 family"
- "VLS canister launch -- cylindrical canister may be present at launch site"
- "Active radar radome at nose"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "S-300 (48N6 missile)"
how_to_distinguish: "48N6 is slightly longer (7.5m); different fin configuration; Russian markings"
- designation: "S-400 missile"
how_to_distinguish: "S-400 uses multiple missile types; different launcher vehicle"
- designation: "MIM-104 Patriot"
how_to_distinguish: "Patriot has different body proportions and semi-active TVM guidance; US markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Large missile (180kg warhead) -- significant blast and fragmentation. Active radar seeker -- RF emission hazard. HQ-9B has IR sensor -- heat-sensitive. Large solid motor may retain significant propellant. 300m exclusion zone."
HQ-16 / LY-80 (Red Banner-16)
designation: "HQ-16 / LY-80"
aliases: ["Hong Qi-16", "Red Banner-16", "HHQ-16 (naval VLS)"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Medium-Range SAM (Buk Derivative)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical; Buk/9M317 derivative proportions"
length_m: 5.0
diameter_m: 0.23
length_to_diameter: 21.7
color: "White or olive"
nose:
profile: "Ogival/conical with semi-active radar seeker"
seeker: "Semi-active radar homing -- requires external illumination radar"
color: "Slightly different shade at nose (radome)"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
distinguishing_features:
- "Medium SAM with Buk-derivative proportions"
- "Slender (230mm diameter) for a medium SAM"
- "Semi-active radar seeker (lower RF hazard than active seekers)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "9M317 Buk missile"
how_to_distinguish: "Very similar design lineage -- distinguish by markings (Chinese vs Russian) and launcher vehicle"
- designation: "HQ-22 / FK-3"
how_to_distinguish: "HQ-22 is larger (5.6m, 400mm dia) and faster (Mach 6)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: HE-fragmentation warhead (65kg) with proximity fuze. Semi-active radar seeker -- lower RF hazard. VLS canister debris may be present. 200m exclusion zone."
HQ-22 / FK-3 (Red Banner-22)
designation: "HQ-22 / FK-3"
aliases: ["Hong Qi-22", "Red Banner-22", "FK-3 (export)"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Medium/Long-Range SAM"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical"
length_m: 5.6
diameter_m: 0.4
length_to_diameter: 14.0
color: "White"
nose:
profile: "Ogival with semi-active radar seeker"
seeker: "Semi-active radar homing; radio command backup"
color: "Slightly darker nose"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Solid rocket motor"
booster: "Single-stage solid"
surface_features:
- "4 missiles per TEL launcher"
- "FK-3 exported to Serbia and others"
distinguishing_features:
- "Mid-size SAM between HQ-16 and HQ-9"
- "FK-3 export version in multiple non-traditional markets (Serbia)"
- "Mach 6 speed -- high kinetic energy at impact"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "HQ-9 / FD-2000"
how_to_distinguish: "HQ-9 is larger (6.8m, 470mm) with active radar seeker"
- designation: "S-300 family"
how_to_distinguish: "S-300 missiles are longer with different fin configurations"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Mach 6 speed = high kinetic energy at impact. Proximity-fuzed HE-fragmentation warhead. 200m exclusion zone."
HQ-17 / FM-2000 (Red Banner-17 / Tor Derivative)
designation: "HQ-17 / FM-2000"
aliases: ["Hong Qi-17", "Red Banner-17", "Tor-M1 derivative"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Short-Range SAM (SHORAD)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical; compact design for VLS launch from tracked vehicle"
length_m: 2.9
diameter_m: 0.23
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical"
seeker: "None (radio command guided)"
color: "Same as body"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Solid motor"
distinguishing_features:
- "Small SHORAD missile (165kg)"
- "Launched from 8-cell VLS on tracked vehicle (Tor-derivative)"
- "Radio command guided -- no seeker"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Tor-M1/M2 (9M331)"
how_to_distinguish: "Very similar -- distinguish by launcher vehicle (Chinese tracked vs Russian) and markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Small missile but proximity-fuzed HE-frag warhead (~15kg). 100m exclusion zone."
HQ-19 -- Anti-Ballistic Missile
designation: "HQ-19"
aliases: ["Hong Qi-19", "Red Banner-19"]
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "Anti-Ballistic Missile / Exoatmospheric Interceptor"
body:
shape: "Large, multi-stage missile with kinetic kill vehicle"
length_m: "Not confirmed"
diameter_m: "Not confirmed"
color: "White (test configuration)"
nose:
profile: "Kinetic Kill Vehicle (KKV) shroud -- pointed or conical"
seeker: "KKV seeker (IR or radar)"
tail:
nozzle: "Multi-stage solid motor"
booster: "Multi-stage booster"
surface_features:
- "KKV at tip -- no explosive warhead (hit-to-kill)"
- "Reaction control thrusters on KKV (likely hydrazine)"
distinguishing_features:
- "ABM interceptor -- large, multi-stage"
- "KKV has reaction control thrusters visible as small nozzle clusters"
- "Comparable to US THAAD"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "US THAAD interceptor"
how_to_distinguish: "Different body proportions; Chinese markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "EXTREME CAUTION: KKV reaction control system likely uses HYDRAZINE -- SEVERE TOXIC HAZARD. Dense metal impactor in KKV. 300m exclusion zone."
RUSSIA
<a name="russia"></a>
<a name="russia-ballistic-missiles"></a>
RUSSIAN BALLISTIC MISSILES
9M723 Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone)
designation: "9M723 Iskander-M"
aliases: ["SS-26 Stone", "9K720 Iskander-M"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with slight taper toward nose; quasi-ballistic design with maneuvering capability"
length_m: 7.3
diameter_m: 0.92
length_to_diameter: 7.9
color: "Olive drab green or forest green"
finish: "Matte military paint"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival with slightly blunted tip"
seeker: "Optical scene-matching (DSMAC) terminal sensor -- small window/aperture on nose cone; radar scene-matching on some variants"
color: "Same as body or slightly different shade at tip"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform control fins at tail; lattice/grid fins reported on some variants"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Small trapezoidal or grid/lattice fins"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket motor nozzle"
booster: "Single-stage solid motor; cold-launched from canister"
surface_features:
- "Smooth, relatively featureless body"
- "Small control surfaces at tail for terminal maneuver"
- "Optical terminal guidance window near nose (small aperture)"
- "Canister launch -- look for cylindrical launch canister at launch site"
- "2 missiles per TEL (MZKT-7930 vehicle)"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
typical_locations: "Body stencils; serial numbers"
band_colors: "Warhead type indicators near nose"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: 7.9
note: "Stocky, compact proportions"
distinguishing_features:
- "Compact, stocky SRBM (7.3m, 0.92m diameter)"
- "Small tail control fins for quasi-ballistic maneuvering"
- "Single-stage solid -- no interstage joint"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Hwasong-11A / KN-23 (DPRK)"
how_to_distinguish: "KN-23 is very similar (deliberately copied design); distinguish by launcher vehicle, markings (Korean vs Cyrillic), and context"
- designation: "DF-11 (CSS-7)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-11 is slightly different proportions (7.5m, 0.8m); Chinese markings"
- designation: "Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (ALBM)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kinzhal is air-launched from MiG-31K; similar body but launched from aircraft, not TEL"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Do NOT approach duds -- solid rocket motor contains residual HTPB composite propellant. Fuzing includes anti-tamper features. Cluster warhead variant scatters 54 submunitions. Electronic S&A device may be armed. 500m exclusion zone."
9M728/9M729 Iskander-K (SSC-7/SSC-8 Cruise Missiles)
designation: "9M728 (SSC-7) / 9M729 (SSC-8)"
aliases: ["Iskander-K", "SSC-7 (9M728)", "SSC-8 (9M729)"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Ground-Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical fuselage with pop-out wings; cruise missile profile"
length_m: "6.0 (9M728); 8.1 (9M729)"
diameter_m: 0.533
color: "Olive green"
nose:
profile: "Rounded/ogival with sensor window"
seeker: "DSMAC terrain correlation + radar scene-matching terminal"
color: "Slightly darker nose"
fins:
type: "Pop-out mid-body wings + cruciform tail fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "YES"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet exhaust"
booster: "Canister ejection; turbojet sustainer"
surface_features:
- "Pop-out swept wings when deployed"
- "Turbojet air intake (ventral or side-mounted)"
- "Launched from same TEL as Iskander-M ballistic missiles"
- "9M729 is significantly longer than 9M728 (8.1m vs 6.0m)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Cruise missile launched from Iskander TEL -- unusual combination"
- "Pop-out wings distinguish from ballistic 9M723"
- "9M729 (SSC-8) was INF Treaty violation -- 2,500+ km range"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "9M723 Iskander-M (ballistic)"
how_to_distinguish: "Iskander-M has no wings; conical nose; ballistic trajectory. The K-variant has pop-out wings and turbojet."
- designation: "3M14 Kalibr (land attack)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kalibr is ship/submarine launched; different launcher system"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Turbojet fuel (kerosene) fire hazard. Warhead section may be separated but armed. Guidance electronics contain lithium batteries. 300m exclusion zone."
Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (AS-24 Killjoy)
designation: "Kh-47M2 Kinzhal"
aliases: ["AS-24 Killjoy"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Air-Launched Ballistic Missile (ALBM) / Aeroballistic Missile"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical -- derived from Iskander-M 9M723; nearly identical body to Iskander"
length_m: 7.4
diameter_m: 0.92
length_to_diameter: 8.0
color: "White (air carriage configuration); may be green"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival; optical terminal guidance window"
seeker: "Optical terminal guidance sensor"
color: "Darker nose tip"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail control fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket motor"
booster: "Single-stage solid (ignites after air-drop separation from aircraft)"
surface_features:
- "Pylon attachment hardware on upper body (for MiG-31K centerline carriage)"
- "Otherwise nearly identical to Iskander-M body"
- "May show separation marks from aircraft pylon"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "Nearly identical to Iskander-M but with aircraft pylon attachment hardware"
- "Air-launched -- found without ground TEL context"
- "Carried exclusively under MiG-31K (single missile, centerline)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "9M723 Iskander-M"
how_to_distinguish: "Kinzhal has aircraft pylon mounting hardware; Iskander-M is TEL-launched. Nearly identical body otherwise."
- designation: "Kh-15 (AS-16 Kickback)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-15 is much shorter (~4.8m) and lighter; different nose shape"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: High-velocity impact creates large crater. Intact warhead recovery unlikely at normal impact velocity. Solid propellant residue hazard. Nuclear-capable. First intercepted by Patriot PAC-3 (Kyiv, May 2023). 500m exclusion zone."
RS-28 Sarmat (SS-X-29/30 Satan II)
designation: "RS-28 Sarmat"
aliases: ["SS-X-29", "SS-X-30", "Satan II", "15A28"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), Heavy, Silo-Based"
body:
shape: "Very large cylindrical liquid-fueled ICBM"
length_m: 35.5
diameter_m: 3.0
length_to_diameter: 11.8
color: "Dark green or olive"
nose:
profile: "Nose shroud covering MIRV bus or Avangard HGV"
seeker: "None"
fins:
type: "No visible external fins -- silo-launched"
position: "N/A"
tail:
nozzle: "Multiple liquid rocket engines"
booster: "Multi-stage liquid fueled"
distinguishing_features:
- "MASSIVE -- 35.5m long, 3.0m diameter, 208 metric tons"
- "Silo-based only -- no road-mobile variant"
- "Largest active ICBM in the world"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "RS-24 Yars (SS-27)"
how_to_distinguish: "Yars is much smaller (22.5m, 1.86m dia), solid-fueled, road-mobile"
eod_hazard_on_id: "NUCLEAR WEAPON. OPREP-3 PINNACLE NUCFLASH. Up to 10-15 MIRV warheads or Avangard HGV payload. National-level response ONLY."
RS-24 Yars (SS-27 Mod 2)
designation: "RS-24 Yars"
aliases: ["SS-27 Mod 2", "15Zh67"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical three-stage solid-fueled; road-mobile and silo-based"
length_m: 22.5
diameter_m: 1.86
length_to_diameter: 12.1
color: "Olive green (road-mobile)"
nose:
profile: "Conical MIRV nose shroud"
seeker: "None"
fins:
type: "No prominent external fins"
position: "N/A (canister-launched)"
tail:
nozzle: "Three-stage solid nozzles"
booster: "Three-stage solid; cold-launched from canister"
surface_features:
- "Three-stage solid design"
- "Road-mobile on MZKT-79221 16x16 TEL"
- "Two visible interstage joints"
distinguishing_features:
- "Most numerous modern Russian ICBM"
- "Road-mobile on 16x16 TEL"
- "Three-stage solid with canister launch"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-41 (CSS-X-20)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-41 is Chinese with Hanzi markings; different TEL vehicle"
- designation: "DF-31A"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-31A is Chinese; different diameter (2.0m vs 1.86m)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "NUCLEAR WEAPON. OPREP-3 PINNACLE NUCFLASH. 3-6 MIRV warheads. National-level response ONLY."
RSM-56 Bulava (SS-N-32) -- SLBM
designation: "RSM-56 Bulava"
aliases: ["SS-N-32", "3M30"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical three-stage solid; submarine-tube compatible"
length_m: 12.1
diameter_m: 2.0
color: "Dark gray/black or white (test)"
nose:
profile: "Conical MIRV nose shroud"
seeker: "None"
tail:
nozzle: "Three-stage solid"
booster: "Cold-launched from Borei-class SSBN"
distinguishing_features:
- "Compact SLBM (~12m) for submarine tube launch"
- "Carried by Borei/Borei-A class SSBNs (Pacific Fleet -- Vilyuchinsk)"
- "6-10 MIRV warheads"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "JL-2 (CSS-N-14)"
how_to_distinguish: "JL-2 is Chinese; similar concept but different markings and proportions"
eod_hazard_on_id: "NUCLEAR WEAPON. OPREP-3 PINNACLE NUCFLASH. Maritime recovery scenario. National-level response ONLY."
<a name="russia-cruise-missiles"></a>
RUSSIAN CRUISE MISSILES
Kh-101 / Kh-102 (AS-23A Kodiak)
designation: "Kh-101 (conventional) / Kh-102 (nuclear)"
aliases: ["AS-23A Kodiak", "AS-23B (Kh-102)"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), Strategic"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical/tubular fuselage with FACETED low-observable shaping; pop-out wings; angular cross-section"
length_m: 7.45
diameter_m: "0.742 (body max); 0.514 (cylindrical section)"
wingspan_m: 4.4
length_to_diameter: "~10 (body max)"
color: "Dark gray, blue-gray, or olive green"
finish: "Faceted surfaces for radar cross-section reduction; angular body panels"
nose:
profile: "Pointed/angular with faceted stealth shaping; electro-optical terminal seeker window"
seeker: "EO terminal guidance camera/sensor -- small window on nose underside"
color: "Same as body; sensor window appears as small dark aperture"
fins:
type: "Pop-out swept wings at mid-body + cruciform tail control surfaces"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
number: "2 wings + 4 tail fins"
shape: "Wings: high-aspect-ratio swept; Tail: small control fins"
folding: "YES -- wings fold for rotary launcher carriage inside Tu-160"
tail:
nozzle: "TRDD-50A turbojet exhaust at rear (small circular nozzle)"
booster: "None (air-launched)"
surface_features:
- "FACETED, ANGULAR body shape for stealth -- NOT round cross-section"
- "Pop-out swept wings deploy after launch"
- "Ventral air intake for turbojet engine"
- "EO terminal seeker window on nose underside"
- "DSMAC terrain correlation system"
- "Angular, flat panels along body (low-observable design)"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
typical_locations: "Body panels; serial numbers stenciled"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: "~10"
wingspan_to_length: "~0.59 (when wings deployed)"
distinguishing_features:
- "FACETED STEALTH SHAPING -- angular body cross-section, not round like Kh-55"
- "Pop-out swept wings with large span (~4.4m)"
- "Pointed angular nose with stealth faceting"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-55 / AS-15 Kent"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-55 has ROUND cross-section body and distinctive VENTRAL ENGINE POD that deploys on pylon below fuselage; Kh-101 has integrated engine and faceted body"
- designation: "CJ-10 / DH-10"
how_to_distinguish: "CJ-10 has smoother, rounder body; less pronounced stealth shaping; Chinese markings"
- designation: "AGM-158 JASSM"
how_to_distinguish: "JASSM has different stealth shape (more planform, less angular); US markings; shorter"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 400-450kg HE warhead (Kh-101) or NUCLEAR (Kh-102 -- 250kT). Cannot distinguish externally. Turbojet fuel (kerosene) fire hazard. EO seeker contains lithium batteries. Anti-tamper features reported on guidance section. DSMAC has intelligence value. Multiple dud/intact recoveries in Ukraine. 500m exclusion zone."
Kh-55 / Kh-55SM (AS-15 Kent)
designation: "Kh-55 / Kh-55SM"
aliases: ["AS-15A Kent", "AS-15B Kent (Kh-55SM)"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), Strategic, Nuclear"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical/round cross-section fuselage with pop-out wings"
length_m: "6.04 (Kh-55); 7.0 (Kh-55SM with conformal tanks)"
diameter_m: 0.514
color: "Light gray or white"
finish: "Smooth round body -- NOT faceted like Kh-101"
nose:
profile: "Rounded/ogival"
seeker: "TERCOM terrain correlation only -- no visible EO window"
color: "Same as body"
fins:
type: "Pop-out swept wings + cruciform tail"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "YES"
tail:
nozzle: "DISTINCTIVE: Turbojet engine on DEPLOYABLE VENTRAL POD -- engine drops down on pylon below fuselage"
booster: "None"
surface_features:
- "DEPLOYABLE VENTRAL ENGINE POD -- PRIMARY visual identifier"
- "Engine hangs below fuselage on a pylon after deployment"
- "Round (non-faceted) body cross section"
- "Pop-out wings"
- "Kh-55SM has conformal fuel tanks on body sides (longer than baseline)"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "VENTRAL ENGINE POD that deploys below fuselage on pylon -- UNIQUE feature"
- "Round cross-section body (NOT faceted like Kh-101)"
- "Shorter and simpler than Kh-101"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-101 / AS-23A Kodiak"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-101 has INTEGRATED engine (no ventral pod), FACETED stealth shaping, longer body"
- designation: "Soumar (Iranian Kh-55 copy)"
how_to_distinguish: "Soumar is Iranian reverse-engineered copy -- nearly identical; distinguish by markings (Farsi vs Cyrillic) and launcher vehicle"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: NUCLEAR WEAPON (200kT standard warhead). However -- used as DECOYS without warheads in Ukraine mixed salvos. Cannot assume disarmed. OPREP-3 reporting required. Kerosene fuel fire hazard. 500m exclusion zone."
Kh-59 / Kh-59MK / Kh-59MK2 (AS-13 Kingbolt / AS-18 Kazoo)
designation: "Kh-59 / Kh-59M / Kh-59MK / Kh-59MK2"
aliases: ["AS-13 Kingbolt (Kh-59)", "AS-18 Kazoo (Kh-59M)"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with mid-body wings (Kh-59/M); Kh-59MK2 is shorter and stealthier"
length_m: "5.7 (Kh-59); 4.2 (Kh-59MK2)"
diameter_m: 0.38
color: "White, gray, or olive"
nose:
profile: "Kh-59: glass dome for TV seeker; Kh-59MK: radome; Kh-59MK2: IR window + stealthy nose"
seeker: "Kh-59: TV/EO with datalink; Kh-59MK: active radar; Kh-59MK2: imaging IR terminal"
color: "Kh-59: clear glass dome; Kh-59MK: gray radome; Kh-59MK2: dark IR window"
fins:
type: "Mid-body swept wings + cruciform tail"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "Some variants fold for carriage"
tail:
nozzle: "Solid rocket booster + sustainer"
surface_features:
- "Kh-59MK2 has faceted stealth shaping (compact, 4.2m)"
- "TV-guided variants show distinctive glass dome nose"
distinguishing_features:
- "Kh-59 TV variant has distinctive transparent glass dome nose for camera"
- "Kh-59MK2 is notably shorter (4.2m) with stealth shaping"
- "Mid-body wings visible"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-29 (AS-14 Kedge)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-29 is heavier (680kg), wider (380mm same but shorter at 3.87m), no mid-body wings"
- designation: "Kh-35 (AS-20 Kayak)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-35 is shorter (3.85m) and designed for anti-ship; turbojet powered"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 310-320kg HE-penetrating warhead. Contact with delay fuzing. TV seeker batteries may retain charge. 300m exclusion zone."
3M14 Kalibr (SS-N-30A Sagaris)
designation: "3M14 Kalibr"
aliases: ["SS-N-30A Sagaris", "Kalibr-NK (ship)", "Kalibr-PL (submarine)", "3M14T", "3M14K"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LACM), Ship/Submarine-Launched"
body:
shape: "Slender cylindrical fuselage with pop-out wings; torpedo-tube compatible"
length_m: "6.2 (missile); 8.2 (with booster)"
diameter_m: 0.533
length_to_diameter: "~11.6 (without booster)"
color: "Light gray or white"
nose:
profile: "Rounded/ogival with DSMAC sensor window"
seeker: "DSMAC terrain correlation + active radar terminal homing; GLONASS midcourse"
color: "Slightly darker nose; sensor window aperture visible"
fins:
type: "Pop-out swept wings (mid-body) + cruciform tail control fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "YES -- wings fold for VLS/torpedo tube stowage"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet exhaust"
booster: "Solid rocket booster at rear (separates after boost) -- adds ~2m to length"
surface_features:
- "Pop-out swept wings when deployed"
- "Turbojet air intake (ventral)"
- "Solid booster section at rear (if still attached)"
- "533mm diameter -- same as standard torpedo tube"
- "VLS canister or torpedo tube launch debris may be nearby"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
typical_locations: "Body stencils"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: "~11.6 (without booster)"
note: "Same diameter as 533mm torpedo -- compact for ship/sub launch"
distinguishing_features:
- "533mm diameter (torpedo-tube compatible) -- slender cruise missile"
- "Pop-out swept wings at mid-body"
- "Solid booster at rear adds length and has small stabilizing fins"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-101 (AS-23A)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-101 is air-launched, larger diameter (742mm), faceted stealth shaping; Kalibr is round and slender (533mm)"
- designation: "YJ-18 (CH-SS-NX-13)"
how_to_distinguish: "YJ-18 is Chinese derivative concept; distinguish by markings (Hanzi vs Cyrillic)"
- designation: "9M729 Iskander-K"
how_to_distinguish: "9M729 is ground-launched from Iskander TEL; similar concept but different launcher context"
- designation: "BGM-109 Tomahawk"
how_to_distinguish: "Tomahawk has different wing/fin positions; US markings; wider diameter"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 450kg HE warhead. Solid booster may have residual propellant. Turbojet kerosene fuel fire hazard. Nuclear-capable variants exist. 5-10% dud rate documented in Ukraine. Multiple intact recoveries documented. 500m exclusion zone."
P-800 Oniks / BrahMos (SS-N-26 Strobile)
designation: "P-800 Oniks / BrahMos"
aliases: ["3M55", "SS-N-26 Strobile", "K-300P Bastion-P (coastal system)", "BrahMos (India-Russia JV)"]
country: "Russia (BrahMos: India-Russia)"
category: "Supersonic Cruise Missile (Anti-Ship / Land Attack)"
body:
shape: "Large cylindrical body with FOUR prominent ram air intakes arranged in cross pattern"
length_m: 8.9
diameter_m: 0.67
length_to_diameter: 13.3
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome"
seeker: "Active/passive dual-mode radar seeker; home-on-jam capability"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "Four mid-body air intake shrouds serve as aerodynamic surfaces + small tail fins"
position: "Mid-body (intakes); tail"
note: "The four symmetrical air intakes are the dominant visual feature"
tail:
nozzle: "Ramjet exhaust (large diameter)"
booster: "Solid rocket booster at rear (separates after boost phase)"
surface_features:
- "FOUR PROMINENT RAM AIR INTAKES in cross pattern -- PRIMARY visual identifier"
- "Large body (8.9m, 670mm dia) -- big missile"
- "Solid booster at rear with its own stabilizing fins"
- "Ramjet air intakes visible as four symmetrical scoops/ducts around body"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic); BrahMos variant has English/Hindi markings"
typical_locations: "Body"
dimensional_ratios:
length_to_diameter: 13.3
distinguishing_features:
- "FOUR symmetrical ram air intakes around body -- UNMISTAKABLE"
- "Large supersonic cruise missile (8.9m, 3,000kg)"
- "BrahMos is the India-Russia export variant -- widely deployed"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "YJ-12 / CM-302"
how_to_distinguish: "YJ-12 has different intake arrangement (chin or side); shorter (6.3m); Chinese markings"
- designation: "P-270 Moskit (SS-N-22)"
how_to_distinguish: "Moskit is larger (9.75m, 760mm), different intake geometry"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Ramjet fuel residue. 250kg HE-penetrating warhead. Active/passive radar seeker -- RF hazard and sensitive to illumination. Solid booster propellant. 500m exclusion zone."
<a name="russia-anti-ship-missiles"></a>
RUSSIAN ANTI-SHIP MISSILES
Kh-35U / Kh-35UE (AS-20 Kayak / SS-N-25 Switchblade)
designation: "Kh-35U / 3M24U"
aliases: ["AS-20 Kayak", "SS-N-25 Switchblade", "Uran (ship system)", "Bal (coastal system)"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Subsonic Anti-Ship Missile"
body:
shape: "Compact cylindrical with mid-body wings; small and lightweight"
length_m: "3.85 (body); 4.4 (with booster)"
diameter_m: 0.42
length_to_diameter: 9.2
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome"
seeker: "Active radar terminal homing (ARGS-35E); optional IR terminal on Kh-35U"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "Mid-body swept wings + cruciform tail fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "Wings fold for canister storage"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet exhaust (small)"
booster: "Solid rocket booster at rear (ship/coastal variants)"
surface_features:
- "Compact, small anti-ship missile"
- "Mid-body swept wings"
- "Ventral air intake"
- "Small overall -- 520-620kg total"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Small, compact AShM (3.85m body) -- smaller than most competitors"
- "Ventral air intake + mid-body wings"
- "Sea-skimming (3-5m terminal altitude)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kumsong-3 / KN-19 (DPRK)"
how_to_distinguish: "KN-19 is a DPRK copy -- nearly identical; distinguish by markings (Korean vs Cyrillic) and launcher type"
- designation: "YJ-83 / C-802"
how_to_distinguish: "C-802 is longer (6.4m), narrower (360mm); different proportions"
- designation: "AGM-84 Harpoon"
how_to_distinguish: "Harpoon has different body proportions, ventral fin; US markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 145kg HE-penetrating warhead with delay fuze. Active radar seeker -- RF hazard. Turbojet fuel. Booster propellant. Sea-skimming profile means coastal recovery possible. 300m exclusion zone."
Kh-31A/AD (AS-17 Krypton -- Anti-Ship Variant)
designation: "Kh-31A / Kh-31AD"
aliases: ["AS-17 Krypton"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile"
body:
shape: "Compact cylindrical with ramjet air intakes"
length_m: 4.7
diameter_m: 0.36
length_to_diameter: 13.1
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome (anti-ship variant)"
seeker: "Active radar terminal homing"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail fins + ramjet intake fairings"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Ramjet exhaust"
booster: "Integral solid rocket/ramjet (solid booster ignites ramjet)"
surface_features:
- "Four ramjet air intakes visible on body -- distinctive"
- "Compact supersonic missile"
- "Exported to India, China, Vietnam"
distinguishing_features:
- "Compact supersonic AShM (4.7m) with visible ramjet intakes"
- "Smaller than P-800 Oniks but same ramjet principle"
- "Kh-31P anti-radiation variant has broadband seeker instead of radar"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-31P (anti-radiation variant)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-31P has passive RF seeker (wider bandwidth receiver); Kh-31A has active radar seeker radome"
- designation: "YJ-91 (Chinese Kh-31 derivative)"
how_to_distinguish: "YJ-91 is Chinese reverse-engineered copy; Chinese markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Ramjet fuel residue. 95-110kg HE-penetrating warhead. Active radar seeker. Supersonic impact energy. 300m exclusion zone."
P-270 Moskit (SS-N-22 Sunburn)
designation: "P-270 Moskit / 3M80"
aliases: ["SS-N-22 Sunburn"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile"
body:
shape: "Very large cylindrical body -- one of the largest tactical AShMs"
length_m: 9.75
diameter_m: 0.76
length_to_diameter: 12.8
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome"
seeker: "Active/passive radar; home-on-jam"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "Cruciform wings at mid-body + tail fins"
position: "Mid-body; tail"
tail:
nozzle: "Ramjet sustainer exhaust (large)"
booster: "Integral solid booster/ramjet"
surface_features:
- "VERY LARGE AShM -- 4,150kg, 9.75m long"
- "Prominent air intakes for ramjet"
- "Massive compared to subsonic AShMs"
distinguishing_features:
- "Extremely large AShM (9.75m, 4,150kg)"
- "Mach 3 sea-level speed"
- "Carried by Sovremenny-class destroyers (2 sold to China)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "P-800 Oniks"
how_to_distinguish: "Oniks is slightly shorter (8.9m) and lighter (3,000kg); different intake geometry"
- designation: "YJ-12"
how_to_distinguish: "YJ-12 is shorter (6.3m), lighter; Chinese markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 300kg HE-penetrating warhead. Nuclear option (120kT). Ramjet fuel. Mach 3 impact energy. Massive blast hazard. 500m exclusion zone."
3M22 Zircon / Tsirkon (SS-N-33)
designation: "3M22 Tsirkon (Zircon)"
aliases: ["SS-N-33"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Hypersonic Anti-Ship / Land-Attack Cruise Missile"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical; scramjet-powered; fits UKSK VLS"
length_m: "8-10 (estimated)"
diameter_m: "0.6-0.7 (estimated)"
color: "Gray or white"
nose:
profile: "Conical or waverider-type"
seeker: "Active radar terminal; possibly IR"
color: "Dark (thermal protection)"
fins:
type: "Small stabilizing fins"
position: "Tail"
tail:
nozzle: "Scramjet exhaust"
booster: "Solid booster + scramjet sustainer"
surface_features:
- "Scramjet air intake (distinct from ramjet -- larger, different geometry)"
- "Thermal protection on leading edges"
- "VLS-compatible diameter"
distinguishing_features:
- "Hypersonic scramjet-powered missile (Mach 5+)"
- "Scramjet intake geometry"
- "Limited identification data -- highly classified"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "P-800 Oniks"
how_to_distinguish: "Oniks has four distinct ram intakes; Zircon has scramjet intake (different geometry)"
- designation: "YJ-21"
how_to_distinguish: "YJ-21 is Chinese, ballistic trajectory; Zircon is scramjet cruise"
eod_hazard_on_id: "EXTREME CAUTION: Hypersonic impact (Mach 5+). Nuclear-capable. Exotic scramjet propulsion. Limited data. Highest priority intelligence recovery. 500m exclusion zone."
<a name="russia-air-to-air-missiles"></a>
RUSSIAN AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES (R-Series)
R-73 / R-74M (AA-11 Archer)
designation: "R-73 / R-74M"
aliases: ["AA-11 Archer", "AA-11 Archer B (R-74M)"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Short-Range IR-Homing AAM"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with distinctive forward-swept canard control surfaces"
length_m: "2.9 (R-73); 2.93 (R-74M)"
diameter_m: 0.17
length_to_diameter: 17.1
color: "White body, yellow/olive practice variants"
nose:
profile: "Hemispherical IR seeker dome"
seeker: "Cooled InSb all-aspect IR seeker"
color: "Dark IR-transparent seeker dome"
fins:
type: "FORWARD-SWEPT canard control surfaces + cruciform tail fins"
position: "Canards: forward (behind seeker); Tail: aft"
number: "4 canards + 4 tail fins"
shape: "Canards are FORWARD-SWEPT -- distinctive and unusual"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket motor with TVC (thrust vector control)"
surface_features:
- "FORWARD-SWEPT CANARD fins -- PRIMARY visual identifier"
- "Helmet-mounted sight compatible (HMS cueing)"
- "Thrust-vector control nozzle at rear"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "FORWARD-SWEPT CANARD control surfaces -- unique among AAMs"
- "Widely exported (India, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, DPRK)"
- "Dark IR seeker dome + forward-swept canards = R-73"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "PL-10 (Chinese)"
how_to_distinguish: "PL-10 has TVC without forward-swept canards; different body design"
- designation: "AIM-9 Sidewinder"
how_to_distinguish: "Sidewinder has roller-on canard fins (not forward-swept); double-delta tail fins"
- designation: "IRIS-T"
how_to_distinguish: "IRIS-T has no forward-swept canards; grid TVC deflectors"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Laser proximity fuze. HE-rod fragmentation warhead (8kg). TVC servo motor. Solid propellant. 100m exclusion zone."
R-77 / R-77-1 (AA-12 Adder)
designation: "R-77 (RVV-AE) / R-77-1 (RVV-SD)"
aliases: ["AA-12 Adder", "Amraamski"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Medium-Range Active Radar-Homing AAM"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical"
length_m: "3.6 (R-77); 3.71 (R-77-1)"
diameter_m: 0.2
length_to_diameter: 18.0
color: "White or light gray"
nose:
profile: "Ogival with radar radome"
seeker: "Active radar seeker (AGAT 9B-1103M)"
color: "Gray/dark radome"
fins:
type: "R-77: LATTICE/GRID TAIL FINS -- UNIQUE; R-77-1: conventional tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "R-77: DISTINCTIVE lattice/waffle-pattern grid fins; R-77-1: conventional swept fins"
tail:
nozzle: "Solid rocket motor"
surface_features:
- "R-77: LATTICE/GRID TAIL FINS are the UNMISTAKABLE identifier"
- "Grid fins fold flat for rail launch, extend to grid pattern in flight"
- "R-77-1 (newer) replaced grid fins with conventional fins"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "R-77: GRID/LATTICE TAIL FINS -- completely unique among AAMs in service"
- "Grid fins look like a metal waffle or grate at the tail"
- "R-77-1: conventional fins but same body -- harder to distinguish from competitors"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "PL-12 / SD-10"
how_to_distinguish: "PL-12 has conventional cruciform fins, no grid fins; Chinese markings"
- designation: "AIM-120 AMRAAM"
how_to_distinguish: "AMRAAM has conventional fins; US markings; no grid fins"
- designation: "R-27 (AA-10 Alamo)"
how_to_distinguish: "R-27 is much larger (3.8-4.5m, 254mm dia); different fin configuration"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Active radar proximity fuze. Active radar seeker -- RF emission hazard. HE-rod fragmentation warhead (22.5kg). 100m exclusion zone."
R-37M (AA-13 Axehead)
designation: "R-37M (RVV-BD)"
aliases: ["AA-13 Axehead"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Very Long-Range AAM (VLRAAM)"
body:
shape: "Large cylindrical -- significantly bigger than standard BVR AAMs"
length_m: 4.06
diameter_m: 0.38
length_to_diameter: 10.7
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Large ogival radome"
seeker: "Active radar terminal (AGAT 9B-1388)"
color: "Dark radome -- large relative to body"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins -- large"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Large swept/trapezoidal"
tail:
nozzle: "Large solid rocket motor -- high thrust for Mach 6 speed"
surface_features:
- "Noticeably LARGER than standard AAMs (380mm diameter vs 200mm for R-77)"
- "Large radome relative to body"
- "Beefy, heavy construction (510kg)"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
distinguishing_features:
- "LARGE AAM -- 380mm diameter is nearly double standard BVR missiles"
- "510kg weight -- much heavier than R-77 (175kg)"
- "Combat-proven in Ukraine (MiG-31BM primary carrier)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "R-33 (AA-9 Amos)"
how_to_distinguish: "R-33 is older MiG-31 missile; R-37M is shorter but wider; different fin shape"
- designation: "PL-15"
how_to_distinguish: "PL-15 is narrower (203mm); Chinese markings"
- designation: "AIM-174B (SM-6 air-launched)"
how_to_distinguish: "SM-6/AIM-174 has different body shape; US markings; larger overall"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: 60kg HE-fragmentation warhead. Active radar proximity fuze. Mach 6 speed means extreme kinetic energy at impact. Large solid motor. 200m exclusion zone."
<a name="russia-surface-to-air-missiles"></a>
RUSSIAN SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES
S-300 Family (48N6 / SA-20 Gargoyle)
designation: "48N6 / 48N6E / 48N6DM (S-300PMU missile)"
aliases: ["SA-20 Gargoyle", "S-300PMU/PMU1/PMU2 Favorit"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Long-Range SAM"
body:
shape: "Large, slender cylindrical body"
length_m: 7.5
diameter_m: "~0.5"
length_to_diameter: 15.0
color: "White or olive; operational missiles in canister"
nose:
profile: "Ogival"
seeker: "Semi-active radar homing (TVM -- Track Via Missile)"
color: "Lighter nose area"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins that deploy after canister ejection"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Folding, deploy after launch"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket motor"
booster: "Cold-launched from canister (VLS); motor ignites after ejection"
surface_features:
- "Cold-launched from cylindrical VLS canisters (4 per TEL)"
- "Fins deploy after canister ejection"
- "Large SAM (1,800kg, 7.5m)"
- "150kg HE-frag directed blast warhead"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Large SAM with folding tail fins (deploy after canister ejection)"
- "Cold-launched from 4-round VLS canister TEL"
- "S-300 is massively exported (China, India, Vietnam, Iran, etc.)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "HQ-9 / FD-2000"
how_to_distinguish: "HQ-9 is Chinese derivative; slightly shorter (6.8m); Chinese markings and launcher"
- designation: "S-400 missiles (48N6DM, 9M96)"
how_to_distinguish: "S-400 uses same 48N6 missiles but also 9M96 (smaller) and 40N6 (longer); different launcher truck"
- designation: "MIM-104 Patriot"
how_to_distinguish: "Patriot has different canister and launcher geometry; US markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 150kg HE-frag directed blast warhead with radar proximity fuze. Proximity fuze is ACTIVE HAZARD -- may function near large metal objects. Large solid motor with significant propellant. Used in surface-to-surface mode in Ukraine. 300m exclusion zone."
S-400 Missiles (9M96E/E2 / 40N6E / SA-21 Growler)
designation: "S-400 Triumf missile family"
aliases: ["SA-21 Growler"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Long-Range SAM System (Multiple Missile Types)"
# S-400 uses multiple different missiles:
# 48N6DM: Same as S-300 (see above), 250km range
# 9M96E: Short-range interceptor, 40km
# 9M96E2: Medium-range, 120km
# 40N6E: Very long range, 380km
body:
shape: "Varies by missile type -- all cylindrical"
note: "9M96 is noticeably SMALLER than 48N6"
nose:
seeker: "48N6DM: TVM; 9M96: active radar homing; 40N6E: active radar + semi-active"
fins:
type: "All have cruciform deployable fins"
distinguishing_features:
- "S-400 SYSTEM identified by launcher vehicle (5P85TE2) and associated radars"
- "Uses mix of missile sizes on same launcher"
- "9M96 is notably smaller/lighter than 48N6 on same TEL"
- "Exported to China, India, Turkey"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "S-300 system"
how_to_distinguish: "S-400 launcher vehicle is newer; associated radars different (91N6E Big Bird)"
- designation: "S-500 Prometey"
how_to_distinguish: "S-500 is ABM-capable; different radar suite; very limited deployment"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Same hazards as S-300 missiles. Multiple missile types with different warhead sizes. Proximity fuze hazard. Exported to China, India, Turkey -- may encounter in multiple theaters. 300m exclusion zone."
9M317 Buk-M2/M3 (SA-17 Grizzly)
designation: "9M317 / 9M317M (Buk-M2/M3)"
aliases: ["SA-17 Grizzly"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Medium-Range SAM"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with prominent mid-body wings"
length_m: 5.55
diameter_m: "~0.4"
length_to_diameter: 13.9
color: "Olive or white"
nose:
profile: "Ogival with semi-active radar seeker (9M317); active radar (9M317M)"
seeker: "Semi-active radar (9M317); active radar (9M317M Buk-M3)"
color: "Lighter nose (radome)"
fins:
type: "Cruciform mid-body wings + cruciform tail fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
number: "4 + 4"
shape: "Mid-body: swept cropped delta; Tail: smaller control surfaces"
tail:
nozzle: "Solid rocket motor, dual-thrust"
surface_features:
- "PROMINENT MID-BODY WINGS -- key visual feature"
- "Launched from TELAR (Tracked vehicle with radar and launcher)"
- "BOWTIE-SHAPED FRAGMENTATION ELEMENTS are forensic identifiers (from MH17 investigation)"
markings:
language: "Russian (Cyrillic)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Mid-body wings make this SAM look like a small aircraft/missile hybrid"
- "Launched from tracked TELAR vehicle"
- "Forensically identified in MH17 shoot-down -- well-documented"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "HQ-16 / LY-80"
how_to_distinguish: "HQ-16 is Chinese Buk derivative; Chinese markings; different launcher"
- designation: "S-300 (48N6)"
how_to_distinguish: "48N6 is larger, no mid-body wings; VLS launched, not TELAR"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 70kg HE-frag directed blast warhead. Proximity fuze may function near metal objects. Bowtie-shaped frag elements are distinctive. Solid dual-thrust motor. 200m exclusion zone."
9M331 Tor-M2 (SA-15 Gauntlet)
designation: "9M331 / 9M338 (Tor-M2)"
aliases: ["SA-15 Gauntlet"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Short-Range SAM (SHORAD)"
body:
shape: "Compact cylindrical; launched from tracked vehicle VLS"
length_m: "~2.5-3.0"
diameter_m: "~0.23"
color: "White"
nose:
profile: "Pointed/conical"
seeker: "None (command guidance)"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Solid motor"
surface_features:
- "Small missile (165kg)"
- "Launched from 8-16 cell VLS on tracked vehicle"
- "9M338 quad-packed in canister for Tor-M2"
distinguishing_features:
- "Small SHORAD missile from tracked vehicle VLS"
- "Command-guided (no seeker)"
- "Quad-packed in canisters"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "HQ-17 (Chinese Tor derivative)"
how_to_distinguish: "HQ-17 is Chinese copy; Chinese markings; different tracked vehicle"
- designation: "57E6 Pantsir missile"
how_to_distinguish: "Pantsir missile is lighter (74.5kg) and launched from wheeled vehicle alongside 30mm guns"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: 14.5kg HE-frag continuous-rod warhead. Proximity fuze. Solid motor. 100m exclusion zone."
57E6 Pantsir-S1/S2 (SA-22 Greyhound)
designation: "57E6 / 57E6-E (Pantsir-S1/S2)"
aliases: ["SA-22 Greyhound"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Short-Range SAM (SHORAD)"
body:
shape: "Slender cylindrical; very lightweight"
length_m: "~3.2"
diameter_m: "~0.16"
length_to_diameter: 20.0
color: "White"
nose:
profile: "Pointed/conical"
seeker: "None (command guidance with optional IR tracking)"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
surface_features:
- "Very lightweight missile (74.5kg)"
- "Launched from box launchers alongside twin 30mm autocannons on wheeled vehicle"
- "12 missiles on each Pantsir vehicle"
distinguishing_features:
- "Slender, lightweight SAM launched alongside 30mm guns"
- "Pantsir vehicle has distinctive gun+missile combination"
- "High loss rate documented in Ukraine -- wreckage commonly found"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "9M331 Tor missile"
how_to_distinguish: "Tor is slightly heavier (165kg) and launched from tracked VLS, not alongside guns"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: 20kg HE-rod continuous-rod warhead. Command-guided. Solid motor. Lightweight but still dangerous. 100m exclusion zone."
RUSSIAN AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILES
Kh-29 (AS-14 Kedge)
designation: "Kh-29T / Kh-29L / Kh-29TE"
aliases: ["AS-14 Kedge"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Short-Range Air-to-Ground Missile"
body:
shape: "Thick, heavy cylindrical body -- stocky proportions"
length_m: "3.87-3.9"
diameter_m: 0.38
length_to_diameter: 10.2
color: "White or olive"
nose:
profile: "Kh-29T: LARGE clear glass dome for TV/EO seeker; Kh-29L: pointed nose with laser seeker"
seeker: "Kh-29T: TV/electro-optical (large glass dome); Kh-29L: semi-active laser"
color: "Kh-29T: clear/transparent glass dome; Kh-29L: pointed opaque nose"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins; no mid-body wings"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Large swept"
tail:
nozzle: "Solid rocket motor"
surface_features:
- "Kh-29T: LARGE TRANSPARENT GLASS DOME at nose -- very distinctive"
- "Heavy missile (680kg) with big warhead (320kg penetrating)"
- "No mid-body wings -- fins at tail only"
- "Stocky, thick body"
distinguishing_features:
- "Kh-29T: Large clear glass TV seeker dome at nose -- UNMISTAKABLE"
- "Kh-29L: Pointed laser seeker nose -- different look"
- "Heavy, stocky AGM with no mid-body wings"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-25 (AS-10 Karen)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-25 is smaller (275mm dia, 300-320kg) and lighter"
- designation: "Kh-38"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-38 is slightly narrower (310mm) and lighter (520kg); more modern design"
- designation: "Kh-59"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-59 has mid-body wings; longer; different nose"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 320kg HE-PENETRATING warhead -- designed to penetrate hardened targets before detonation. Contact with delay fuze. TV seeker glass dome is fragile. 300m exclusion zone."
Kh-25 (AS-10 Karen)
designation: "Kh-25ML / Kh-25MP / Kh-25MT"
aliases: ["AS-10 Karen (laser)", "AS-12 Kegler (ARM)"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Tactical Air-to-Ground Missile"
body:
shape: "Slender cylindrical"
length_m: 3.75
diameter_m: 0.275
color: "White or olive"
nose:
profile: "Kh-25ML: semi-active laser seeker; Kh-25MP: passive anti-radiation; Kh-25MT: TV seeker"
seeker: "Variant dependent -- laser, ARM, or TV"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
distinguishing_features:
- "Small tactical AGM (300-320kg)"
- "Multiple seeker variants change nose appearance"
- "Narrower and lighter than Kh-29"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-29 (AS-14)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-29 is larger (380mm dia, 680kg); Kh-25 is 275mm and 300-320kg"
- designation: "Kh-38"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-38 is the modern replacement; slightly larger (310mm, 520kg)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: 86-90kg HE-frag warhead. Contact/delay fuze. Solid motor. 200m exclusion zone."
Kh-38 (Modular Tactical AGM)
designation: "Kh-38MAE / Kh-38MLE / Kh-38MKE / Kh-38MTE"
aliases: ["Next-gen replacement for Kh-25/Kh-29"]
country: "Russia"
category: "Modular Tactical Air-to-Ground Missile"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with modern aerodynamic design"
length_m: 4.2
diameter_m: 0.31
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Modular seeker section -- varies by variant"
seeker: "MAE: active radar; MLE: semi-active laser; MKE: satellite (GLONASS); MTE: imaging IR"
color: "Variant dependent"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins + possible forward canards"
position: "Tail; canards forward"
surface_features:
- "Modular design -- same body with different seeker heads"
- "Modern clean lines"
- "Increasing use in Ukraine (2023+)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Modern, clean-body AGM replacing Kh-25/Kh-29"
- "Modular seeker section changes nose appearance"
- "Intermediate size between Kh-25 and Kh-29"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-29 (AS-14)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-29 is wider (380mm vs 310mm) and heavier; older design"
- designation: "Kh-25"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-25 is narrower (275mm) and lighter"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 250kg HE-penetrating warhead. Mach 2.2 speed. Multiple fuze types. Solid motor. 300m exclusion zone."
NORTH KOREA (DPRK)
<a name="north-korea-dprk"></a>
<a name="dprk-ballistic-missiles"></a>
DPRK BALLISTIC MISSILES (Hwasong / KN Series)
Hwasong-14 (KN-20) -- ICBM
designation: "Hwasong-14"
aliases: ["KN-20"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Two-Stage Liquid-Fueled ICBM"
body:
shape: "Long, slender two-stage liquid-fueled body with visible interstage"
length_m: "19.5-20"
diameter_m: "1.65-2.0 (1st stage)"
color: "Dark green or camouflage pattern"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival re-entry vehicle"
seeker: "None (inertial only)"
color: "Dark (ablative)"
fins:
type: "Small stabilizing fins on first stage"
position: "Tail"
tail:
nozzle: "Single main engine + 4 verniers (1st stage)"
booster: "Two-stage liquid (UDMH/NTO)"
surface_features:
- "Two-stage with visible interstage section"
- "Liquid-fueled -- may show propellant plumbing/umbilicals"
- "Road-mobile on 9-axle TEL"
markings:
language: "Korean (Hangul/Chosongul)"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "Long, slender liquid-fueled ICBM (~19.5m)"
- "DPRK road-mobile on 9-axle TEL"
- "Korean markings/script"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Hwasong-15 (KN-22)"
how_to_distinguish: "Hwasong-15 is larger (22.5m, 2.4m dia); twin-engine 1st stage"
- designation: "Hwasong-12 (KN-17)"
how_to_distinguish: "Hwasong-12 is single-stage IRBM, shorter (16.5m)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "EXTREME DANGER: Liquid propellant UDMH/NTO -- EXTREMELY TOXIC. Hypergolic combination. Full MOPP required. Nuclear-capable. OPREP-3 reporting. 1000m exclusion zone for chemical hazard."
Hwasong-15 (KN-22) -- ICBM
designation: "Hwasong-15"
aliases: ["KN-22"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Two-Stage Liquid-Fueled ICBM"
body:
shape: "Very large two-stage liquid-fueled body"
length_m: 22.5
diameter_m: 2.4
color: "Dark green or camouflage"
nose:
profile: "BLUNT re-entry vehicle shape -- designed for heavier payload"
seeker: "None"
color: "Dark (ablative)"
tail:
nozzle: "TWIN-ENGINE cluster (1st stage) -- visible as two nozzles side by side"
surface_features:
- "Larger than Hwasong-14 in all dimensions"
- "2.4m diameter -- thick body"
- "Blunt nose RV"
- "9-axle TEL"
distinguishing_features:
- "Largest liquid-fueled ICBM road-mobile system (at time of introduction)"
- "BLUNT RV nose shape (vs more pointed Hwasong-14)"
- "Twin-engine first stage"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Hwasong-17 (KN-28)"
how_to_distinguish: "Hwasong-17 is even larger (25-26m) on 11-axle TEL"
- designation: "Hwasong-14"
how_to_distinguish: "Hwasong-14 is smaller (19.5m, 1.65-2.0m dia); single-engine first stage"
eod_hazard_on_id: "EXTREME DANGER: Massive UDMH/NTO propellant load. Full MOPP. Nuclear-capable. OPREP-3. 1000m exclusion zone."
Hwasong-17 (KN-28) -- ICBM
designation: "Hwasong-17"
aliases: ["KN-28"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Two-Stage Liquid-Fueled ICBM (Largest DPRK)"
body:
shape: "Very large two-stage liquid-fueled; largest road-mobile liquid ICBM in world"
length_m: "25-26"
diameter_m: "2.4-2.5"
color: "Dark green/camouflage"
nose:
profile: "Conical nose shroud -- MIRV potential (3-4 warheads + decoys)"
seeker: "None"
tail:
nozzle: "Liquid engines"
surface_features:
- "LARGEST road-mobile liquid ICBM in the world"
- "11-AXLE TEL -- enormous vehicle"
- "MIRV-capable nose shroud"
markings:
language: "Korean (Hangul/Chosongul)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Enormous size -- 25-26m long on 11-axle TEL"
- "Largest road-mobile liquid ICBM ever built"
- "11-axle TEL is unique identifier"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Hwasong-15"
how_to_distinguish: "Hwasong-15 is shorter (22.5m) on 9-axle TEL"
- designation: "Hwasong-19 (solid ICBM)"
how_to_distinguish: "Hwasong-19 is solid-fueled (in canister); Hwasong-17 is liquid (exposed body on TEL)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "EXTREME DANGER: Massive hypergolic propellant load. Large chemical hazard zone. MIRV-capable -- multiple RVs. Nuclear-capable. OPREP-3. 1000m exclusion zone."
Hwasong-18 / Hwasong-19 -- Solid-Fuel ICBMs
designation: "Hwasong-18 / Hwasong-19"
aliases: []
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Three-Stage Solid-Fueled ICBM"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical three-stage solid-fueled; CANISTER-LAUNCHED"
length_m: "25 (HS-18); ~28 (HS-19)"
diameter_m: "2.1 (HS-18); 2.1-2.2 (HS-19)"
color: "Body hidden in launch canister; canister is dark green"
nose:
profile: "Conical; HS-19 may have PBV for MIRV deployment"
seeker: "None"
fins:
type: "Deploy after canister ejection"
tail:
nozzle: "Three-stage solid"
booster: "Cold-launched from canister"
surface_features:
- "CANISTER-LAUNCHED -- missile body may not be visible until flight"
- "Three-stage solid -- two visible interstage joints"
- "HS-19 on 11-axle TEL -- largest road-mobile solid ICBM in world"
- "HS-19 PBV visible in stage-separation photos (MIRV capability)"
distinguishing_features:
- "FIRST DPRK SOLID-FUEL ICBMs -- significant advancement"
- "Canister launch (not exposed body like liquid-fueled)"
- "HS-19 is largest road-mobile solid ICBM in world (~28m)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Hwasong-17 (liquid ICBM)"
how_to_distinguish: "HS-17 is liquid-fueled with body exposed on TEL; HS-18/19 in launch canister"
- designation: "RS-24 Yars (Russian)"
how_to_distinguish: "Yars is smaller (22.5m, 1.86m); Russian markings; different TEL"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Solid propellant -- fire/explosion risk but less chemical hazard than liquid. Nuclear-capable, MIRV possible (HS-19). OPREP-3. 500m exclusion zone."
Hwasong-11A (KN-23) -- "North Korean Iskander"
designation: "Hwasong-11A / KN-23"
aliases: ["Hwasong-11Ga", "North Korean Iskander"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Solid-Fueled SRBM (Iskander-type)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with slight taper; quasi-ballistic design nearly identical to Russian Iskander-M"
length_m: 7.4
diameter_m: 0.92
color: "Olive green or dark green"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival with guidance section"
seeker: "Terminal maneuvering guidance fins visible"
color: "Same as body or darker"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform control fins at tail"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid rocket motor"
surface_features:
- "VISUALLY RESEMBLES Iskander-M -- deliberately copied design"
- "Small tail control fins for terminal maneuver"
- "Quasi-ballistic trajectory with pull-up maneuver"
- "Launched from tracked or wheeled TEL"
markings:
language: "Korean (Hangul/Chosongul)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Nearly identical to Iskander-M -- MUST use markings/context to distinguish"
- "Korean markings on body"
- "DPRK TEL vehicle (different from Russian MZKT-7930)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "9M723 Iskander-M (Russian)"
how_to_distinguish: "Nearly identical body. Distinguish by: (1) markings -- Korean vs Cyrillic; (2) launcher vehicle; (3) operational context"
- designation: "Hwasong-11B (KN-24)"
how_to_distinguish: "KN-24 is smaller (~6m, 0.6m dia) and resembles ATACMS instead of Iskander"
- designation: "Hwasong-11C (enlarged variant)"
how_to_distinguish: "Hwasong-11C is larger (9.6-9.8m, 1.1-1.2m dia)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CRITICAL: Quasi-ballistic maneuver defeats SRBM defenses. Solid propellant. Nuclear-capable (Hwasan-31 warhead displayed). 500m exclusion zone."
Hwasong-11B (KN-24) -- "North Korean ATACMS"
designation: "Hwasong-11B / KN-24"
aliases: ["Hwasong-11Na", "North Korean ATACMS"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Tactical Solid-Fueled Ballistic Missile"
body:
shape: "Shorter, stubbier than KN-23; resembles US ATACMS"
length_m: "~6"
diameter_m: "~0.6"
color: "Dark green"
nose:
profile: "Blunt conical"
seeker: "Terminal guidance"
fins:
type: "Tail fins + possible grid fins"
position: "Tail"
distinguishing_features:
- "Shorter and stubbier than KN-23"
- "Resembles US ATACMS and South Korean KTSSM"
- "~0.6m diameter -- notably narrower than KN-23 (0.92m)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "ATACMS (US)"
how_to_distinguish: "US markings (English); different launcher (HIMARS/MLRS)"
- designation: "KN-23 (Hwasong-11A)"
how_to_distinguish: "KN-23 is longer (7.4m) and wider (0.92m)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Solid propellant. Terminal maneuver. May use cluster warhead. 300m exclusion zone."
Hwasong-11C (Enlarged KN-23)
designation: "Hwasong-11C / Hwasong-11Da"
aliases: ["Enlarged KN-23"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Solid-Fueled SRBM (Enlarged)"
body:
shape: "Scaled-up KN-23 -- cylindrical with taper"
length_m: "9.6-9.8"
diameter_m: "1.1-1.2"
color: "Dark green"
nose:
profile: "Conical with aeroballistic maneuver capability"
distinguishing_features:
- "Larger than KN-23 (9.6-9.8m vs 7.4m; 1.1-1.2m vs 0.92m)"
- "VERY HEAVY warhead options (2,500-4,500 kg)"
- "Aeroballistic trajectory"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "KN-23 (Hwasong-11A)"
how_to_distinguish: "Hwasong-11C is larger in all dimensions -- ~30% bigger than KN-23"
- designation: "DF-16 (CSS-11)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-16 is Chinese; different markings; slightly different proportions"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Very heavy warhead (up to 4,500kg). Nuclear-capable. Aeroballistic maneuver. 500m exclusion zone."
Hwasong-11D (Close-Range BM)
designation: "Hwasong-11D / Hwasong-11Ra"
aliases: []
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Close-Range Solid-Fueled Ballistic Missile"
body:
shape: "Miniaturized KN-23 -- compact design"
length_m: 5.5
diameter_m: 0.76
color: "Dark green"
distinguishing_features:
- "Smallest KN-23 derivative (5.5m, 0.76m dia)"
- "250 LAUNCHERS deployed to southern border (DMZ)"
- "Low trajectory (~50km apogee) + short flight time = hard to intercept"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "KN-02 Toksa"
how_to_distinguish: "KN-02 is based on Tochka (different body shape, tracked TEL)"
- designation: "KN-23 (Hwasong-11A)"
how_to_distinguish: "KN-23 is larger (7.4m, 0.92m)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: HIGH DENSITY DEPLOYMENT near DMZ. Solid propellant. Terminal maneuver. Possibly nuclear. 300m exclusion zone."
Scud Derivatives (Hwasong-5/6/7/9)
designation: "Hwasong-5 / Hwasong-6 / Hwasong-7 / Hwasong-9"
aliases: ["Scud-B (HS-5)", "Scud-C (HS-6)", "Nodong-1 (HS-7)", "Scud-ER (HS-9)"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Liquid-Fueled Ballistic Missiles (Scud Family)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical liquid-fueled body; progressive stretch from Scud-B baseline"
length_m: "10.94 (HS-5); 11.25 (HS-6); 15.5 (HS-7); 12.8-13.5 (HS-9)"
diameter_m: "0.88 (HS-5/6/9); 1.25 (HS-7)"
color: "Olive green"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival; detachable warhead section"
seeker: "None (inertial only)"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Trapezoidal; classic Scud-style fins"
tail:
nozzle: "Single liquid rocket engine with graphite jet vanes"
booster: "Single-stage liquid (IRFNA/kerosene)"
surface_features:
- "CLASSIC SCUD PROFILE -- universally recognized"
- "Cylindrical body with conical nose and cruciform tail fins"
- "Liquid propellant plumbing visible on body"
- "Hwasong-7/Nodong is notably wider (1.25m) -- scaled-up Scud"
markings:
language: "Korean (Hangul/Chosongul)"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "Classic Scud body shape -- recognized worldwide"
- "0.88m diameter is standard Scud dimension (HS-5/6/9)"
- "Hwasong-7 is wider (1.25m) -- scaled-up Scud"
- "Most widely proliferated DPRK missiles"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Shahab-1/2 (Iranian Scud copies)"
how_to_distinguish: "Shahab missiles are Iranian copies of same DPRK originals; Farsi markings vs Korean"
- designation: "Soviet R-17 Scud-B"
how_to_distinguish: "Original Soviet Scud; Russian/Cyrillic markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Liquid propellant (IRFNA is corrosive oxidizer; kerosene or UDMH fuel). TOXIC. Warhead may contain HE, chemical, biological, or submunitions. Full MOPP for chemical hazard assessment. 500m exclusion zone."
Pukguksong Series (SLBMs)
designation: "Pukguksong-1 (KN-11) / Pukguksong-3 (KN-26)"
aliases: ["Polaris (meaning of Pukguksong)", "KN-11", "KN-26"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical two-stage solid-fueled; designed for submarine tube launch"
length_m: "9 (Pukguksong-1); 10-11 (Pukguksong-3)"
diameter_m: "1.1-1.5 (PG-1); ~1.4 (PG-3)"
color: "Dark green or black"
nose:
profile: "Conical nuclear RV"
seeker: "None"
fins:
type: "Deploy after canister ejection"
tail:
nozzle: "Two-stage solid"
booster: "Cold-launched from submerged submarine"
surface_features:
- "Canisterized for submarine launch"
- "Two-stage solid design"
- "May show saltwater effects if maritime recovery"
distinguishing_features:
- "DPRK SLBMs -- launched from Sinpo-class submarines"
- "Solid-fueled (unlike liquid Hwasong ICBMs)"
- "Compact proportions for submarine tube"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "JL-2 (Chinese SLBM)"
how_to_distinguish: "JL-2 is three-stage, larger (13m, 2.0m dia); Chinese markings"
- designation: "Bulava (Russian SLBM)"
how_to_distinguish: "Bulava is three-stage, larger; Russian markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Nuclear-capable. Solid propellant. Submarine-launched -- maritime recovery scenario. OPREP-3 reporting. 500m exclusion zone."
<a name="dprk-cruise-missiles"></a>
DPRK CRUISE MISSILES (Hwasal Series)
Hwasal-1 / Hwasal-2 (Arrow Series)
designation: "Hwasal-1 / Hwasal-2"
aliases: ["Arrow-1", "Arrow-2", "Hwasal-1 Ra-3"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LACM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with pop-out wings; cruise missile profile similar to Kh-55/Tomahawk concept"
length_m: "6-7"
diameter_m: "~0.6"
color: "Dark green or gray"
nose:
profile: "Rounded/ogival"
seeker: "TERCOM terrain correlation; possible GNSS updates"
fins:
type: "Pop-out mid-body wings + tail fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "YES"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet/turbofan exhaust"
booster: "Possible solid booster for ground launch"
surface_features:
- "Pop-out wings -- standard cruise missile configuration"
- "Turbojet engine with air intake"
- "Ground-launched, ship-launched, and submarine-launched variants"
- "Hwasal-2 nuclear-capable (Hwasan-31 warhead compatible)"
markings:
language: "Korean (Hangul/Chosongul)"
distinguishing_features:
- "DPRK cruise missile -- Korean markings distinguish from similar designs"
- "Multiple launch platforms (ground, ship, submarine)"
- "Hwasal-2 explicitly nuclear-capable"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "3M14 Kalibr"
how_to_distinguish: "Kalibr is Russian with Cyrillic markings; different dimensions"
- designation: "CJ-10"
how_to_distinguish: "CJ-10 is Chinese with Hanzi markings; larger"
- designation: "Kh-55"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-55 has ventral engine pod; Russian markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Nuclear-capable (Hwasal-2). Turbojet kerosene fuel fire hazard. TERCOM guidance electronics. If UXO: intact turbojet, fuel, and potentially nuclear warhead. 500m exclusion zone."
<a name="dprk-anti-ship-missiles"></a>
DPRK ANTI-SHIP MISSILES
Kumsong-3 (KN-19) / Padasuri-6
designation: "Kumsong-3 (KN-19) / Padasuri-6"
aliases: ["KN-19", "Gold Star-3"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Subsonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (Kh-35 Derivative)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with mid-body wings; Kh-35 derivative"
length_m: "3.85 (body); 4.4 (with booster)"
diameter_m: 0.42
color: "Gray or white"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome"
seeker: "Kumsong-3: active radar homing; Padasuri-6: DUAL IR + radar seeker"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "Mid-body swept wings + tail fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "YES"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet sustainer"
booster: "Solid rocket booster at rear (separates)"
surface_features:
- "Kh-35 derivative -- similar appearance to Russian original"
- "4-canister tracked coastal defense launcher"
- "Sea-skimming flight profile"
- "Padasuri-6 has dual seeker (IR + radar)"
markings:
language: "Korean (Hangul/Chosongul)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Kh-35 lookalike with Korean markings"
- "4-canister tracked launcher is unique to DPRK"
- "Padasuri-6 has dual IR/radar seeker in nose"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-35U (Russian)"
how_to_distinguish: "Nearly identical body -- distinguish by Korean vs Cyrillic markings and launcher vehicle"
- designation: "YJ-83 / C-802"
how_to_distinguish: "C-802 is longer (6.4m), narrower (360mm)"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 145-150kg penetrating HE-frag warhead with delayed fuze. Active radar seeker -- RF hazard. Turbojet fuel. Solid booster. Sea-skimming profile = coastal UXO. 300m exclusion zone."
<a name="dprk-surface-to-air-missiles"></a>
DPRK SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES
KN-06 / Pongae-5
designation: "KN-06 / Pongae-5"
aliases: []
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Long-Range SAM (S-300/HQ-9 Derivative)"
body:
shape: "Large cylindrical; S-300/HQ-9 derivative proportions"
length_m: "6.8-7.25"
diameter_m: "0.466-0.514"
color: "White or olive"
nose:
profile: "Ogival with radar seeker"
seeker: "Semi-active radar / command guidance"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Solid rocket motor"
surface_features:
- "S-300 derivative proportions"
- "3 missile tubes per launcher (stretched 6x6 truck)"
- "Flap Lid-type phased array radar in system"
distinguishing_features:
- "S-300/HQ-9 sized SAM on DPRK-specific launcher truck (stretched KamAZ)"
- "3 missiles per launcher (vs 4 for S-300 TEL)"
- "Korean markings"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "S-300 (48N6)"
how_to_distinguish: "S-300 has 4-round VLS; Russian markings; different TEL"
- designation: "HQ-9 / FD-2000"
how_to_distinguish: "HQ-9 has 8x8 TEL; Chinese markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Proximity-fuzed HE-frag warhead -- may function near metal objects/aircraft. Solid motor propellant. 300m exclusion zone."
Pyoljji-1-2 (Pongae-6 / Meteor-1-2)
designation: "Pyoljji-1-2 / Pongae-6"
aliases: ["Meteor-1-2"]
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "Two-Stage Solid-Fueled SAM"
body:
shape: "Slender cylindrical; two-stage"
length_m: "Not confirmed"
diameter_m: "Not confirmed"
color: "White"
nose:
profile: "Pointed"
seeker: "Likely terminal guidance (hit-to-kill or proximity)"
fins:
type: "8 control surfaces + 4 fixed wings"
number: "12 total aerodynamic surfaces"
surface_features:
- "Two-stage SAM -- unusual design"
- "8 control surfaces + 4 fixed wings = 12 visible surfaces"
- "Resembles Israeli Stunner missile"
distinguishing_features:
- "TWO-STAGE SAM is unusual -- double-impulse flight"
- "12 aerodynamic surfaces (8 control + 4 fixed)"
- "Israeli Stunner resemblance"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "David's Sling Stunner (Israeli)"
how_to_distinguish: "Israeli markings (Hebrew); different launcher system"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Two-stage -- two solid propellant sections. Proximity fuze likely. High maneuverability. 300m exclusion zone."
IRAN
<a name="iran"></a>
<a name="iran-ballistic-missiles"></a>
IRANIAN BALLISTIC MISSILES
Shahab-1 / Shahab-2 (Scud Derivatives)
designation: "Shahab-1 / Shahab-2"
aliases: ["Iranian Scud-B (Shahab-1)", "Iranian Scud-C (Shahab-2)"]
country: "Iran"
category: "Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)"
body:
shape: "Classic Scud cylindrical body with conical nosecone"
length_m: "11.25 (Shahab-1); 12.0 (Shahab-2)"
diameter_m: 0.88
color: "Olive green or desert tan; some in white for parades"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival; detachable warhead"
seeker: "None (inertial)"
color: "Same as body"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
shape: "Classic Scud trapezoidal fins"
tail:
nozzle: "Single liquid engine with graphite jet vanes"
booster: "Single-stage liquid (IRFNA/kerosene)"
surface_features:
- "CLASSIC SCUD BODY -- reverse-engineered from DPRK Hwasong-5/6"
- "0.88m diameter -- standard Scud dimension"
- "Liquid propellant plumbing visible"
markings:
language: "Farsi (Persian script)"
typical_locations: "Body stencils"
distinguishing_features:
- "Classic Scud profile with FARSI (Persian) markings"
- "0.88m diameter -- Scud standard"
- "Shahab-2 is slightly longer than Shahab-1 (12.0m vs 11.25m)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Hwasong-5/6 (DPRK)"
how_to_distinguish: "Same missile origin -- distinguish by Farsi vs Korean markings"
- designation: "Soviet R-17 Scud-B"
how_to_distinguish: "Original Soviet version; Cyrillic markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Liquid propellant (IRFNA is corrosive oxidizer). Toxic hazard. Full MOPP. Impact fuze. Transferred to Houthis. 500m exclusion zone."
Shahab-3 / Ghadr-1
designation: "Shahab-3 / Ghadr-1"
aliases: []
country: "Iran"
category: "Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical liquid-fueled; Nodong-1 derivative"
length_m: "16 (Shahab-3); 15.8 (Ghadr-1)"
diameter_m: 1.25
color: "Olive green or desert tan"
nose:
profile: "Shahab-3: conical nosecone; Ghadr-1: DISTINCTIVE 'baby-bottle' triconic nosecone (narrower, separating RV)"
seeker: "None (Shahab-3); improved INS (Ghadr-1)"
color: "Darker nose on some variants"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Single Nodong-type engine"
booster: "Single-stage liquid"
surface_features:
- "1.25m diameter -- scaled-up from 0.88m Scud"
- "Ghadr-1 'baby-bottle' nosecone is a PRIMARY visual identifier"
- "Separating warhead on Ghadr creates two debris fields"
markings:
language: "Farsi (Persian script)"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "Ghadr-1 has distinctive 'BABY-BOTTLE' TRICONIC NOSECONE -- tapers then widens, then tapers again to a point"
- "1.25m diameter -- wider than Scud (0.88m)"
- "Used in combat (Al-Asad strike, Jan 2020)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Hwasong-7 / Nodong-1 (DPRK)"
how_to_distinguish: "Same origin missile -- distinguish by Farsi vs Korean markings; Ghadr-1 has unique baby-bottle nose"
- designation: "Emad"
how_to_distinguish: "Emad has MaRV capability; similar size but different nose shape"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Liquid propellant (toxic). Separating warhead creates two debris fields. Impact fuze. 500m exclusion zone."
Emad-1
designation: "Emad-1"
aliases: []
country: "Iran"
category: "Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) with MaRV"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical liquid-fueled; similar to Shahab-3/Ghadr platform"
length_m: 15.8
diameter_m: 1.25
color: "Green or tan"
nose:
profile: "Maneuverable Re-entry Vehicle (MaRV) with control surfaces"
seeker: "Terminal guidance (likely electro-optical or radar)"
color: "Darker MaRV section"
fins:
type: "Tail fins (booster) + MaRV control surfaces"
position: "Tail (booster); MaRV has its own small fins/control surfaces"
surface_features:
- "MaRV warhead section with VISIBLE CONTROL SURFACES"
- "First Iranian missile with MaRV -- control surfaces on warhead are key identifier"
- "Otherwise similar to Shahab-3/Ghadr platform"
distinguishing_features:
- "MaRV with visible control fins/surfaces on warhead section"
- "First Iranian precision-guided BM"
- "UNSCR 2231 violation"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Ghadr-1"
how_to_distinguish: "Ghadr-1 has baby-bottle nosecone without MaRV control surfaces"
- designation: "Shahab-3"
how_to_distinguish: "Shahab-3 has simple conical nosecone; no MaRV"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: MaRV may retain active guidance electronics post-impact. Liquid propellant toxic hazard. Terminal guidance sensors. 500m exclusion zone."
Sejjil (Sejjil-2)
designation: "Sejjil / Sejjil-2"
aliases: ["Ashura (earlier designation)"]
country: "Iran"
category: "Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) -- SOLID FUEL"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical TWO-STAGE SOLID fuel -- distinct from liquid-fueled Shahab family"
length_m: 18.0
diameter_m: 1.25
length_to_diameter: 14.4
color: "Olive green or white"
nose:
profile: "Conical RV"
seeker: "None (inertial)"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins on first stage"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Two-stage solid"
booster: "Two-stage solid motor with visible interstage"
surface_features:
- "TWO-STAGE SOLID -- visible interstage joint"
- "Significantly different from liquid Shahab family"
- "Longer than Shahab-3 (18m vs 16m)"
markings:
language: "Farsi (Persian script)"
distinguishing_features:
- "TWO-STAGE SOLID-FUEL -- major departure from Iran's liquid Shahab/Scud family"
- "Visible interstage joint"
- "Longest Iranian BM (18m)"
- "No liquid propellant plumbing (unlike Shahab)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Shahab-3"
how_to_distinguish: "Shahab-3 is liquid-fueled (single stage); Sejjil is two-stage solid -- look for interstage joint"
- designation: "DF-21 (CSS-5)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-21 is Chinese; same two-stage solid concept but different dimensions; Hanzi markings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Solid propellant (ammonium perchlorate composite) -- fire/explosion but less toxic than liquid. Two-stage creates separate debris fields. 500m exclusion zone."
Qiam-1 / Qiam-2
designation: "Qiam-1 / Qiam-2"
aliases: []
country: "Iran"
category: "Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical liquid-fueled; FINLESS -- uses thrust vector control"
length_m: 11.5
diameter_m: 0.88
color: "Green or desert tan"
nose:
profile: "Conical/ogival"
seeker: "Qiam-2 may have terminal guidance"
fins:
type: "NONE -- finless design"
position: "N/A"
note: "FINLESS -- PRIMARY VISUAL IDENTIFIER. Uses thrust vector control for stabilization"
tail:
nozzle: "Single liquid engine with TVC"
booster: "Single-stage liquid"
surface_features:
- "FINLESS BODY -- completely smooth cylindrical body with NO tail fins"
- "0.88m diameter -- Scud family dimension"
- "Finless design allows vertical silo launch"
markings:
language: "Farsi (Persian script)"
distinguishing_features:
- "FINLESS -- no tail fins whatsoever; completely cylindrical body"
- "May not immediately appear as BM debris due to lack of fins"
- "0.88m diameter (Scud family)"
- "Combat-proven (Al-Asad 2020, True Promise 2024)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Shahab-1/2"
how_to_distinguish: "Shahab missiles have cruciform tail fins; Qiam has NO FINS"
- designation: "Burkan-2H (Houthi)"
how_to_distinguish: "Burkan-2H is Qiam derivative used by Houthis; same basic design with modifications"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Liquid propellant (toxic). Finless body makes field ID harder. Impact fuze. Complete systems transferred to Houthis. 500m exclusion zone."
Fateh-110 Family (Fateh-110 / Fateh-313 / Zolfaghar / Dezful / Raad-500)
designation: "Fateh-110 Family"
aliases: ["Fateh-110", "Fateh-313", "Zolfaghar", "Dezful", "Raad-500"]
country: "Iran"
category: "Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) -- SOLID FUEL"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical single-stage solid-fuel body"
length_m: "8.86 (Fateh-110); progressively modified for variants"
diameter_m: 0.61
color: "Olive green or desert tan; white for display"
nose:
profile: "Conical; Zolfaghar has separating warhead; Raad-500 has steerable fins"
seeker: "INS + possible GPS-aided; Raad-500 has steerable terminal fins"
fins:
type: "Small cruciform tail fins + possible nose guidance fins"
position: "Tail; nose (Raad-500)"
number: "4 tail; 4 nose (Raad-500)"
tail:
nozzle: "Single solid motor"
booster: "Single-stage solid"
surface_features:
- "0.61m diameter -- distinctive NARROW body for a BM"
- "Single-stage solid -- no interstage"
- "Fateh-313 is more compact than Fateh-110"
- "Zolfaghar has separating warhead"
- "Raad-500 has composite motor casing and steerable nose fins"
markings:
language: "Farsi (Persian script)"
distinguishing_features:
- "NARROW 0.61m diameter solid-fuel BM -- distinctive slim profile"
- "Single-stage solid -- no liquid plumbing, no interstage joint"
- "Fateh family is Iran's most proliferated guided missile (to Hezbollah, Houthis)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Khalij Fars ASBM"
how_to_distinguish: "Khalij Fars is same body but with anti-ship EO/IR terminal seeker added to nose"
- designation: "CM-401 (Chinese ASBM)"
how_to_distinguish: "CM-401 is Chinese; similar concept but different proportions"
- designation: "Kheibar Shekan"
how_to_distinguish: "Kheibar Shekan is longer (~13m) with stepped diameter and MaRV"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Solid propellant (ammonium perchlorate composite). Warhead separates on Zolfaghar/Dezful variants. INS guidance platform in warhead section. Combat-proven (Deir ez-Zor 2017, Al-Asad 2020, True Promise 2024). Transferred to Hezbollah. 300m exclusion zone."
Kheibar Shekan
designation: "Kheibar Shekan"
aliases: ["Kheibar Breaker"]
country: "Iran"
category: "Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) -- SOLID FUEL"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with STEPPED DIAMETER -- first stage wider, narrows"
length_m: 13.0
diameter_m: "0.61 (first stage, stepped)"
color: "Dark green or olive"
nose:
profile: "Conical MaRV"
seeker: "Terminal guidance; MaRV capability"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Solid motor"
surface_features:
- "STEPPED DIAMETER -- body narrows at some point along length"
- "MaRV warhead section"
- "Longer than Fateh family (~13m vs ~8.86m)"
markings:
language: "Farsi (Persian script)"
distinguishing_features:
- "STEPPED BODY DIAMETER -- narrows along length"
- "Longer than Fateh family (13m)"
- "MaRV capability (like Emad but solid-fueled)"
- "Combat-proven (True Promise 2024)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Fateh-110 / Dezful"
how_to_distinguish: "Fateh family is shorter (~8.86m); uniform diameter; no stepped body"
- designation: "Sejjil"
how_to_distinguish: "Sejjil is two-stage (18m) with interstage joint; Kheibar Shekan is single-stage stepped"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Solid propellant. MaRV with terminal guidance. Fast launch prep. Combat-proven. 300m exclusion zone."
Fattah Series (Hypersonic Claims)
designation: "Fattah-1 / Fattah-2"
aliases: []
country: "Iran"
category: "Hypersonic Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (claimed)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical solid-fuel booster with hypersonic payload"
length_m: "13-14 (estimated)"
color: "Olive or display white"
nose:
profile: "Fattah-1: MaRV; Fattah-2: HGV (Hypersonic Glide Vehicle)"
seeker: "Terminal seeker; maneuvering capability"
note: "Western analysts skeptical of true HGV capability -- may be fast MaRV"
fins:
type: "Booster fins + HGV control surfaces (Fattah-2)"
tail:
nozzle: "Solid fuel booster"
surface_features:
- "Fattah-2 HGV may have wedge/delta shape similar to DF-ZF concept"
- "Iranian hypersonic claims -- limited independent verification"
distinguishing_features:
- "Iranian-claimed hypersonic missile"
- "Fattah-2 HGV payload shape if confirmed"
- "Mach 5+ terminal speed claimed"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "DF-17 (Chinese HGV)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-17 is Chinese with confirmed HGV (DF-ZF); different scale; Hanzi markings"
- designation: "Kheibar Shekan"
how_to_distinguish: "Kheibar Shekan is a conventional MaRV without HGV claim"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: High kinetic energy impact. Advanced guidance system. Solid propellant. Limited data -- treat as advanced system. 500m exclusion zone."
<a name="iran-cruise-missiles"></a>
IRANIAN CRUISE MISSILES
Soumar (Kh-55 Derivative)
designation: "Soumar"
aliases: []
country: "Iran"
category: "Ground-Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with pop-out wings; Kh-55 reverse-engineered copy"
length_m: "7-8 (similar to Kh-55)"
wingspan_m: 3.0
color: "Gray or olive"
nose:
profile: "Rounded/ogival"
seeker: "INS + TERCOM"
fins:
type: "Pop-out mid-body wings + tail fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "YES -- pop-out wings"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet (reverse-engineered R95-300 or Iranian equivalent)"
note: "May have VENTRAL ENGINE POD like Kh-55 original, or may be redesigned with integrated engine"
surface_features:
- "Kh-55 body shape -- may retain ventral engine pod or have redesigned integrated engine"
- "Pop-out wings"
- "Ground-launched from TEL"
markings:
language: "Farsi (Persian script)"
distinguishing_features:
- "Kh-55 copy with FARSI markings"
- "Ground-launched (Kh-55 is air-launched)"
- "Pop-out wings"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Kh-55 (Russian)"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-55 has Russian/Cyrillic markings; air-launched; Soumar is ground-launched with Farsi markings"
- designation: "Hoveyzeh"
how_to_distinguish: "Hoveyzeh is evolved from Soumar with improved engine/guidance; similar but likely different dimensions"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Turbojet fuel fire hazard. 200-400kg HE warhead. TERCOM guidance electronics. 300m exclusion zone."
Hoveyzeh
designation: "Hoveyzeh"
aliases: []
country: "Iran"
category: "Ground-Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with pop-out wings; evolved Soumar design"
length_m: "6-7"
color: "Gray or olive"
nose:
profile: "Rounded"
seeker: "INS + TERCOM + possible terminal guidance"
fins:
type: "Pop-out wings + tail fins"
folding: "YES"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet"
distinguishing_features:
- "Evolved Soumar -- similar profile but potentially different dimensions"
- "Iranian-made engine and guidance"
- "Farsi markings"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Soumar"
how_to_distinguish: "Similar -- Hoveyzeh is improved variant with better engine/guidance; may be slightly shorter"
- designation: "Kh-101"
how_to_distinguish: "Kh-101 has faceted stealth shaping; Russian markings; much longer"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: Turbojet fuel. HE warhead (250-350kg). 300m exclusion zone."
Quds / Paveh Family
designation: "Quds-1 / Quds-2 / Paveh"
aliases: []
country: "Iran"
category: "Small Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LACM)"
body:
shape: "Small cylindrical fuselage with pop-out wings"
length_m: "4.5-5 (Quds-1 from debris analysis)"
wingspan_m: 2.5
color: "Gray or painted to match environment"
nose:
profile: "Blunt or rounded"
seeker: "INS + commercial GPS receivers (identified in debris)"
fins:
type: "Pop-out wings + tail fins"
folding: "YES"
tail:
nozzle: "Small turbojet (Czech TJ100-type or copy)"
surface_features:
- "SMALL cruise missile -- significantly smaller than Soumar/Hoveyzeh"
- "Commercial-grade GPS receiver boards (identified in forensic analysis)"
- "Small turbojet engine (TJ100 class)"
- "Pop-out wings ~2.5m span"
- "Simple construction with commercially-sourced components"
markings:
language: "Farsi or no markings; commercial component labels may be visible"
note: "Forensic exploitation of debris has identified Western commercial components"
distinguishing_features:
- "SMALL cruise missile (~4.5-5m) -- smaller than most military cruise missiles"
- "Commercial GPS receiver and small commercial-class turbojet"
- "Used in devastating Abqaiq/Khurais oil attack (Sept 2019)"
- "Extensively transferred to Houthis"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Shahed-136 (OWA/loitering munition)"
how_to_distinguish: "Shahed-136 has delta wing + pusher propeller; completely different shape from cruise missile"
- designation: "Hoveyzeh"
how_to_distinguish: "Hoveyzeh is larger (6-7m) with more capable engine"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CAUTION: Small turbojet engine identifiable in debris. 100-150kg HE warhead (Quds-1). GPS receiver boards, flight computer, servo actuators recoverable for forensic exploitation. 200m exclusion zone."
<a name="iran-anti-ship-missiles"></a>
IRANIAN ANTI-SHIP MISSILES
Noor (C-802 Derivative)
designation: "Noor"
aliases: ["Light"]
country: "Iran"
category: "Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (C-802 Derivative)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with mid-body wings; C-802 copy"
length_m: 6.39
diameter_m: 0.36
wingspan_m: 1.22
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome"
seeker: "Active radar terminal homing (monopulse seeker -- may be Iranian-modified)"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "Mid-body swept wings + cruciform tail fins"
position: "Wings: mid-body; Tail: aft"
folding: "Possible"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet sustainer"
booster: "Solid rocket booster at rear (separates)"
surface_features:
- "C-802 copy -- nearly identical to Chinese original"
- "Ventral air intake for turbojet"
- "Dark radome at nose"
- "Sea-skimming profile (5-7m terminal altitude)"
markings:
language: "Farsi (Persian script)"
typical_locations: "Body"
distinguishing_features:
- "C-802 body with FARSI markings -- primary distinction from Chinese original"
- "Ventral air intake + mid-body wings + dark radome"
- "Combat-proven (INS Hanit strike, 2006; Houthi Red Sea operations)"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "YJ-83 / C-802 (Chinese)"
how_to_distinguish: "Nearly identical body -- distinguish by Farsi vs Chinese markings; Iranian radar seeker modifications"
- designation: "Ghader / Ghadir"
how_to_distinguish: "Ghader is extended-range Noor derivative; slightly different dimensions"
eod_hazard_on_id: "CRITICAL: Semi-armor-piercing warhead with DELAYED FUZE -- designed to penetrate ship hull before detonation. UXO may be EMBEDDED in ship structure with ARMED fuze. Active radar seeker. Turbojet fuel. 165kg TNT/RDX warhead. 500m exclusion zone."
Nasr-1 (C-704 Derivative)
designation: "Nasr-1"
aliases: ["Victory"]
country: "Iran"
category: "Short-Range Anti-Ship Missile (C-704 Derivative)"
body:
shape: "Compact cylindrical; smaller than Noor"
length_m: 3.5
diameter_m: 0.28
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical with seeker"
seeker: "Active radar or TV/IIR terminal homing"
color: "Dark seeker dome/window"
fins:
type: "Cruciform fins"
position: "Tail + possible mid-body"
tail:
nozzle: "Solid rocket motor (no turbojet)"
booster: "Solid motor throughout"
surface_features:
- "SMALL AShM (~3.5m, 350kg)"
- "All-solid propulsion (no turbojet -- simpler design)"
- "Smaller than Noor/C-802"
distinguishing_features:
- "Small, compact AShM (3.5m, 0.28m diameter)"
- "Solid rocket only -- no air intake or turbojet exhaust"
- "Transferred to Houthis"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "C-704 (Chinese)"
how_to_distinguish: "C-704 is the Chinese original; Chinese markings"
- designation: "Noor (C-802 copy)"
how_to_distinguish: "Noor is much larger (6.39m) with turbojet and mid-body wings"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: 130-150kg semi-armor-piercing HE warhead with delay fuze. Solid motor propellant. 200m exclusion zone."
Khalij Fars / Hormuz (Fateh-110 ASBM)
designation: "Khalij Fars / Hormuz-1 / Hormuz-2"
aliases: ["Persian Gulf"]
country: "Iran"
category: "Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM)"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical solid-fuel -- Fateh-110 body with terminal seeker"
length_m: 8.86
diameter_m: 0.61
color: "Olive or display markings"
nose:
profile: "Modified from standard Fateh -- houses terminal seeker"
seeker: "Khalij Fars: electro-optical/IR terminal seeker; Hormuz-1/2: anti-radiation seeker (homes on radar emissions)"
color: "Khalij Fars: dark EO/IR window; Hormuz: different antenna/receiver window"
fins:
type: "Cruciform tail fins"
position: "Tail"
number: 4
tail:
nozzle: "Single-stage solid motor"
surface_features:
- "Fateh-110 body with modified nose section for seeker"
- "EO/IR window on Khalij Fars nose"
- "Anti-radiation receiver on Hormuz nose"
- "0.61m narrow diameter"
distinguishing_features:
- "Fateh-110 body with TERMINAL SEEKER added to nose"
- "Khalij Fars: EO/IR window visible on nose"
- "Hormuz: anti-radiation antenna/receiver visible"
- "Near-vertical terminal dive trajectory"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Fateh-110 (standard land-attack)"
how_to_distinguish: "Standard Fateh-110 has simple conical nose without seeker window; Khalij Fars has visible EO/IR window or antenna"
- designation: "CM-401 (Chinese ASBM)"
how_to_distinguish: "CM-401 is a different design; Chinese markings"
- designation: "DF-21D (Chinese ASBM)"
how_to_distinguish: "DF-21D is much larger (10.7m, 1.4m dia); different scale"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: High terminal speed (Mach 3+). 450-650kg HE warhead. Solid propellant. Near-vertical dive creates deep impact. Hormuz variants home on radar emissions -- do NOT illuminate with radar. 300m exclusion zone."
Ghader / Ghadir (Extended-Range Noor)
designation: "Ghader / Ghadir / Qader"
aliases: ["Capable"]
country: "Iran"
category: "Anti-Ship / Land-Attack Cruise Missile"
body:
shape: "Cylindrical with mid-body wings; extended-range C-802/Noor derivative"
length_m: "~6.5"
color: "White or gray"
nose:
profile: "Conical radome"
seeker: "Active radar terminal homing (improved over Noor)"
color: "Dark radome"
fins:
type: "Mid-body swept wings + tail fins"
folding: "Possible"
tail:
nozzle: "Turbojet"
booster: "Solid booster"
surface_features:
- "Extended-range Noor -- slightly different proportions"
- "Same general C-802 configuration"
- "May have land-attack capability"
distinguishing_features:
- "Slightly larger/longer than Noor (6.5m vs 6.39m)"
- "Extended range (200-300km vs 120-200km)"
- "Improved seeker and ECCM"
commonly_confused_with:
- designation: "Noor"
how_to_distinguish: "Very similar -- Ghader is slightly larger with extended range; subtle differences in seeker housing"
- designation: "Abu Mahdi cruise missile"
how_to_distinguish: "Abu Mahdi may be larger (~6m) with dual-purpose capability; limited data"
eod_hazard_on_id: "DANGER: HE warhead (~200kg). Active radar seeker. Turbojet fuel. Delay fuze for hull penetration. 300m exclusion zone."
QUICK REFERENCE: VISUAL SORTING KEY
Use this decision tree to narrow identification from a photo:
1. BODY SHAPE
├── Cylindrical with NO WINGS → Ballistic Missile or SAM
│ ├── FINS present at tail?
│ │ ├── YES: BM (DF, Shahab, Hwasong, Iskander) or SAM
│ │ └── NO (finless): → Qiam-1/2 (Iranian)
│ ├── Interstage joint visible?
│ │ ├── YES, 1 joint: Two-stage BM (DF-16, DF-21, DF-26, Sejjil, HS-14/15)
│ │ ├── YES, 2 joints: Three-stage ICBM (DF-31, DF-41, Yars, HS-18/19)
│ │ └── NO: Single-stage (DF-11, DF-15, Iskander, Fateh, Shahab)
│ └── Wedge/flat nosecone?
│ └── YES: HGV carrier (DF-17, Fattah-2)
│
├── Cylindrical WITH POP-OUT WINGS → Cruise Missile
│ ├── Faceted/angular body? → Kh-101/102
│ ├── Ventral engine pod (hanging below)? → Kh-55/Soumar
│ ├── Ventral air intake scoop? → C-802/Noor/YJ-83/CJ-10/Kalibr
│ └── Simple wings + turbojet? → Hwasal, Hoveyzeh, Quds
│
├── Cylindrical with RAMJET INTAKES → Supersonic Cruise Missile
│ ├── 4 symmetrical intakes? → P-800 Oniks / BrahMos
│ ├── Side/chin intakes, medium? → Kh-31, YJ-12
│ └── Scramjet geometry? → 3M22 Zircon
│
└── Small cylindrical with IR/radar dome → AAM or SHORAD SAM
├── Dark IR dome nose + forward-swept canards? → R-73
├── Dark IR dome nose + TVC nozzle? → PL-10
├── Grid/lattice tail fins? → R-77 (AA-12)
├── Radar radome + mid-body strakes? → PL-12, PL-15, or AMRAAM-class
└── Large body (>4m) + radar dome? → R-37M or PL-21