The Algerian military has taken delivery of the Chinese-made YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles after placing order in April 2020.
Algeria recently announced the arrival of anti-ship missiles of Chinese design, a major first and a shift in the regional balance of power.
With this new acquisition, Algeria is putting in measures to protect the Mediterranean Sea area as well as the Strait of Gibraltar due to the security uncertainties in the region, as well as significant tensions to the north and at the borders, especially with Morocco concerning the Western Sahara issue.
The YJ-12B is an improved version of the Chinese supersonic anti-ship missile, the YJ-12. Designed to engage surface ships at great distances, this missile enhances maritime strike capabilities. Capable of reaching speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 3, the YJ-12B is particularly difficult to intercept for conventional air defenses. With an effective range of about 500 kilometers, it allows for long-range attacks. The YJ-12B can be deployed from various platforms, including aircraft, ships, and mobile coastal launch systems.
The YJ-12 is a recent addition to Algeria’s portfolio of anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), and was acquired to replace the aging Soviet-built SSC-3 Styx P-15 anti-ship missile.
The YJ-12B ASCM will complement another deadly Chinese-made cruise missile in Algerian service, the mach 3 capable CX-1 ASCM acquired in 2018 after more than a decade of negotiations.
Algeria had intended to procure the Russian Bastion missile system which is based on the Yakhont missile, however, due to the high cost of the Bastion system, the service may have instead opted for the cheaper Chinese products.
The YJ-12 is considered the “most lethal anti-ship missile China has manufactured thus far,” according to a 2014 Pentagon report, with a range of 400 kilometers, mach 3 speeds, and can undertake evasive maneuvers before striking its target.
Algeria continues to undertake a significant arms acquisition program designed to enhance its regional position amid regional security uncertainties. To this end, the already powerful North African nation has become a major purchaser of capable missile systems.
Algeria received 4 regiments of Iskander E systems from 2014 to 2017. A missile regiment consists of about fifty vehicles and 48 missiles: 12 launchers, 12 missile carriers and loaders, 11 vehicles of command and personnel, and other vehicles.
Moreover, Algeria is reported to be in talks with China to acquire SY-400 Chinese-made short-range ballistic missiles.
In November 2022, Algeria delegation approached China’s North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco) for the procurement of the SY-400 short-range ballistic missile launcher (SRBM) during the recent Zhuhai Air Show.
The trio will significantly bolster it’s regional standing in the volatile Middle East and North African region.