항공무장 Re: JF-17이 운용하는 CM-400AKG 극초음속 미사일

[위종민]

2019년 10월 파키스탄의 Quwa라는 홈페이지에 실린 CM-400AKG의 기사입니다. 1억 달러에 60발 (발당 167만달러!)라는 저가의 극초음속 미사일이라고 하네요. 도입 당시엔 브라모스에 대응하는 대함 공중발사 탄도미사일 쯤으로 받아들여졌네요. 

JF-17의 공대지 로켓(CM-400AKG)

파키스탄 국방생산부(MoDP)는 2017-2018 회계연도 실적에서 1억 달러에 CM-400AKG 미사일 60기를 도입했다고 공개했다. 본 기사는 2018년 2월 Quwa Premium에서 처음 소개된 내용으로, CM-400AKG의 기술적 특성과 파키스탄 공군(PAF) 운용 적합성에 대해 다룬다.

JF-17은 원래 파키스탄 공군의 Dassault Mirage III/5, Chengdu F-7P, Nanchang A-5 전투기 대체를 목표로 했으나, 단거리 지상공격이나 방공 역할에 국한되지 않는다. JF-17은 중국항공공업집단(AVIC)과 파키스탄 항공단지(PAC)의 공동 생산으로, PAC가 58%를 제조 및 조립한다.

PAF의 주력 전투기 전력을 현대화함과 동시에 JF-17은 스탠드오프 무기(SOW) 운용 등 현대적 공중전 능력을 부여했다. 현재 PAF는 JF-17에 중국 CASIC C-802 대함미사일(AShM), GIDS REK 정밀유도폭탄(PGB) 키트(MK-80 계열 GPB용) 등을 적용하고 있다.

그러나 AVIC의 마케팅 자료에 따르면, JF-17은 고객 요구에 따라 다양한 SOW를 통합할 수 있으며, 독특한 CM-400AKG 대함미사일도 포함된다. CM-400AKG가 JF-17의 SOW 옵션으로 제시되어 왔으며, MoDP가 2017-2018년에 60기 도입을 확인했으나, 실제 PAF가 전력화했는지는 불분명하다. 다만 CM-400AKG는 JF-17의 SOW 운용 폭 확장에 있어 기술적, 개발적 노력이 진행되었음을 보여준다.

CM-400AKG 대함미사일

CM-400AKG는 JF-17의 무장 옵션으로 소개될 때, 인도의 브라모스 초음속 대함미사일에 상응하는 솔루션으로 간주됐다. 최고 속도는 Mach 4 이상으로 알려져 있다. 그러나 용도(대함전)와 속도(초음속)는 유사하지만, 설계나 개념에서 브라모스나 Exocet, C-802A, Harba 등 다른 대함미사일과 본질적으로 다르다.

브라모스 등과 달리, CM-400AKG는 고체연료 로켓 모터만을 사용한다. 즉, 터보제트/터보팬 등 공기흡입식 엔진(액체연료 사용, 장거리·지속 비행, 해면 회피·저고도 비행)이 없고, 저고도 해면 스커밍 특성이 없다. 대신 CM-400AKG는 고고도에서 발사되어 항공기 생존성을 높인다고 홍보됐다. IHS Jane’s에 따르면, 고고도에서 상승 후 고속으로 표적을 강하 타격하는 아크(arc)형 비행궤도를 보인다. 즉, 준탄도미사일(quasi-ballistic missile) 특성을 가진다.

사거리(180~250km), 터미널 유도(IIR 또는 능동레이더 선택 가능), 탄두(폭발파편/관통 등), 표적(항모 등 대형 저속함정)에 최적화되어 있다.

총 중량은 자료에 따라 400kg 또는 910kg로 차이가 있다. 400kg이면 C-802, Exocet 등(700~800kg)보다 상당히 가볍지만, JF-17은 C-802 또는 CM-400AKG 각각 2발 장착이 가능하므로 실용적 제약은 크지 않다. 중국 전문가들은 CM-400AKG가 SY-400 단거리탄도미사일(SRBM)에서 파생됐을 가능성이 크다고 본다.

준탄도 미사일로서의 역할

SY-400은 150-200km 사거리와 200-300kg 탄두를 가진 준탄도 미사일로, 일반 MLRS 탄약보다 크고, SRBM보다는 작다. CM-400AKG는 중국이 보유한 대함탄도미사일(ASBM)의 수출형이자, 미·유럽의 반발을 우회할 목적의 준탄도 미사일로 설계된 측면도 있다.

중국 ASBM은 접근 거부(A2/AD) 전략의 핵심이다. DF-21 시리즈 등은 탄도 아크와 극초음속 속도를 활용해 미 해군 통합방공망을 돌파하도록 설계됐다. 미국은 이 ‘킬 체인’을 전자전 등으로 무력화하려 하며, 해상 탄도미사일 방어(BMD)체계(SM-6 등)도 개발했다.

CM-400AKG는 DF-21처럼 전략무기라 할 수 없고, 사거리, 위력, 다목적성에서 차이가 크다. DF-21은 전략무기이나, CM-400AKG는 SOW의 또 다른 방식(순항미사일과 대조되는)으로서, JF-17의 해상작전 및 원거리 타격 옵션을 확장하는 역할을 한다.

파키스탄의 해상 A2/AD 전략에서 CM-400AKG는 Harba, C-802, Exocet 등 해면 스커밍 아음속 솔루션과 함께 운용될 수 있다. 극초음속 고각 돌입체와 저고도 아음속 미사일의 조합은 적 방공망에 부담을 주고, 방어 타격 성공 확률을 높인다. 2018년 Harba ASCM 시험에서도 네트워크 기반 다수 센서 연계 및 오프보드 발사 플랫폼 활용 역량을 시연한 바 있다. 이는 터키 MilSOFT의 NIXS 등 실시간 센서 연계 체계 도입 덕분이다.

PAF의 공중조기경보통제기(AEW&C) 역시 해군 네트워크의 핵심이다. PAF는 마수르 공군기지 2비행대를 통해 JF-17의 해상작전 배치를 시작했다. JF-17은 장거리 작전에서 항속거리·무장제한이 있으나, 공중급유 및 다수기 운용으로 일정 부분 보완이 가능하다.

비용효율적 대안

CM-400AKG는 본질적으로 단순·저가의 ‘포병 로켓’에 가깝다. 양산 및 즉각 투입이 용이하고, 전술탄도미사일보다 생산·운용이 간단하다. 이 같은 저비용 SOW를 항공기와 지상에서 대량 운용하는 전략은 파키스탄뿐 아니라, 이스라엘(MARS, SkySniper 등)도 유사 사례가 있다.

PAF는 JF-17(저가·대량 생산 가능한 전투기)을 통해 저비용·대량 SOW 전력을 구축할 수 있다. JF-17은 사거리·항속, 일부 현대기술(헬멧 장착 조준장치 등) 부재라는 한계가 있지만, 다수 운용과 낮은 도입·운영비용으로 이러한 한계를 보완할 수 있다.

결론

CM-400AKG는 JF-17의 실질적인 무장 다양성과 가능성을 보여준다. 현재 PAF는 주로 C-802A와 REK만 전력화했으나, 중국 측의 제안은 JF-17이 다양한 방식으로, 특히 장거리 타격과 포화 공격에도 투입될 수 있음을 시사한다. CM-400AKG는 준탄도, 말기 극초음속 돌입 특성 등 독특한 무장 운용 가능성을 보여준다. JF-17은 일부 한계에도 불구하고, 비용·복잡성 면에서 상위 플랫폼 대신 대안적 방어력을 제공할 수 있다. 결국 중요한 것은 실질적 방어태세를 갖추는 것 자체이며, JF-17이 이를 달성하지 못하게 하는 장애물은 기체 그 자체보다도 운용상의 결정일 수 있다.

The JF-17’s air-launched rocket (CM-400AKG) - Quwa

The JF-17’s air-launched rocket (CM-400AKG) Quwa Premium

Quwa Premium Sample by Bilal Khan October 3, 2019

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In its disclosure for 2017-2018, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) revealed that it procured 60 CM-400AKG missiles for $100 million US. The following article — previously a Quwa Premium piece from February 2018 but now a freely available sample — outlines the technical nature of the CM-400AKG and its applicability to the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) requirements.

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While rooted as a replacement for the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Dassault Mirage III/5, Chengdu F-7P and Nanchang A-5 combat aircraft, the JF-17 can amount to more than a purely short-range ground-attack or point-defence/air defence fighter (i.e. the roles assumed by its predecessors). The JF-17 is a co-production effort between the Aviation Industry of China (AVIC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), the latter manufacturing 58% of the fighter under the workshare agreement (alongside final assembly for the PAF).[1]

Besides recapitalizing the PAF fighter fleet, the JF-17 imbued the PAF’s mainstay fleet with contemporary air combat capabilities, including the ability to widely deploy stand-off range weapons (SOW). Currently, the PAF is configuring the JF-17 to carry the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) C-802 anti-ship missile (AShM) and Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) Range Extension Kit (REK) precision-guided bomb (PGB) suite for MK-80-series general purpose bombs (GPB).

However, AVIC’s marketing portfolio shows that the JF-17 can be – depending on customer requirements – configured with a diverse array of SOWs, including the unique CM-400AKG AShM. The CM-400AKG has been tied as a SOW option for the JF-17.[2] It is unclear if the PAF itself inducted or is planning to induct the CM-400AKG, despite labelling it as an “aircraft carrier killer” on multiple occasions (note: the MoDP confirmed that the PAF procured 60 CM-400AKGs in 2017-2018).[3][4] Nonetheless, the CM-400AKG shows that thought – and development – has been paid to expanding the JF-17’s SOW options.

The CM-400AKG anti-ship missile (AShM)

When introduced as a weapon option for the JF-17, the CASIC CM-400AKG was hinted as an analogous solution to the BrahMos, India’s supersonic-cruising AShM. This comparison was drawn based on the stated top-speed of the CM-400AKG, Mach 4+ according to the previous Project Director of the JF-17, Air Commodore Mahmood Khalid.[5] However, while seeming similar in the intended role (anti-ship warfare) and capability (i.e. supersonic speed), the CM-400AKG is a fundamentally different missile design or concept than the BrahMos and other AShMs serving with the PAF and the Pakistan Navy (PN).

In contrast to the BrahMos, Exocet, C-802A and the recently-announced Harba AShM, the CM-400AKG is powered solely by a solid-fuel rocket motor. In other words, the CM-400AKG does not use an air-breathing miniature turbojet or turbofan engine, which – besides using liquid fuel – is also more fuel efficient, supporting sustained flight at longer ranges. In addition, air-breathing designs can also undertake terrain-hugging/sea-skimming flight, i.e. low-altitude flight for avoiding radar coverage and reducing the reaction time for countermeasures. These attributes are not available to the CM-400AKG.

Rather than sea-skimming, CASIC stated that the CM-400AKG relies on high-altitude launch, which CASIC claims lends to “higher aircraft survivability”.[6] According to IHS Jane’s, the CM-400AKG “climbs to a high altitude and terminates with a high-speed drive on the target.”[7] In effect, it appears that the CM-400AKG operates with an arc, thus owing to its quasi-ballistic missile ties. Besides its flight trajectory, the CM-400AKG reportedly has a range of 180-250 km, using a terminal-stage seeker – optional between imaging infrared (IIR) and active radar-homing (ARH).[8] However, the terminal-stage element is – as per CASIC – best suited for ‘slow-moving targets’, with overt mention of aircraft carriers.[9] The CM-400AKG’s warhead options include blast fragmentation and penetration.[10]

The total weight of the CM-400AKG is unclear as there are conflicting reports. For example, Jane’s lists the total weight at 400 kg, while Flight Global states (referencing AVIC) that the missile weighs 910 kg.[11] If the CM-400AKG weighs 400 kg, then it would be markedly lighter than commonplace cruising AShM, such as the CASIC C-802 and MBDA Exocet (which weigh 700-800 kg). However, the JF-17 can be equipped with two C-802 or CM-400AKG (see photos below), so the CM-400AKG being heavy does not limit the JF-17’s payload options. Chinese observers note that the CM-400AKG likely draws its lineage from the SY-400 short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), a missile with a range of 150-200 km and 200-300 kg warhead.[12][13]

A PAF JF 17 armed with two C 802 AShM

The JF 17 equipped with two CM 400AKG

While described as a ballistic missile and also sharing the same core inputs (e.g. rocket motor) of a ballistic missile, the SY-400 marketed as a large/heavyweight, long-range artillery rocket. With a diameter of 400 mm, it is larger than the A-100 (300 mm), positioning the SY-400 as an in-between a SRBM and multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) munition. For further delineation, the in-between missiles could be termed as ‘quasi-ballistic missiles’ – i.e. similar core inputs, but lesser range, warhead and warfighting impact. In a sense, the intended appeal of the CM-400AKG could be to offer a semblance of China’s vaunted anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) capability, but through a form that is malleable for export (i.e. protects China’s security secrets vis-à-vis its own ASBMs while also being less controversial to the US and Europe).

The Appeal of the CM-400AKG

ASBMs are an element in China’s anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) strategy.[14] Introduced in the 2000s, the DF-21-series of ASBMs aim to leverage their ballistic arcs – specifically steep angles of descent – along with hypersonic speed to bypass a naval integrated air defence system.[15] For China’s A2/AD strategy, its ASBMs are to be used in conjunction with long-range, over-the-horizon (OTH) surveillance and targeting along with complementing anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) strikes. In this A2/AD strategy, the objective is to strongly discourage the U.S. Navy (USN) and its allies from entering China’s spheres of interest, such as its activity in the South China Seas.[16] The U.S. has acknowledged the ASBM threat, opting to focus on the ASBM’s “kill-chain” – i.e. eroding China’s process of identifying, tracking and engaging targets through the use of electronic warfare (to jam the terminal-stage ARH seeker).[17] In addition, U.S. missile defence efforts continue, with the USN fielding the RIM-174 Standard ERAM (Extended Range Active Missile), which – as per Raytheon – offers a ballistic missile defence (BMD) capability at sea.[18]

To be clear, the CM-400AKG is not a direct analogue to the DF-21, there is no comparison between them considering that the latter is much larger, longer-range and versatile (e.g. capable of deploying multiple independent re-entry vehicles and maneuvering re-entry vehicles). The DF-21 is a strategic weapon, but the CM-400AKG serves as an alternate approach to SOWs (contrasting with cruise missiles). In this respect, the CM-400AKG adds to the JF-17’s long-range and maritime operations strike options, particularly within the context of trying to erode the efficacy of an enemy air defence system.

For Pakistan’s maritime A2/AD strategy, the inclusion of the CM-400AKG can enable Pakistan to combine a steep-angle, hypersonic object (CM-400AKG) with sea-skimming subsonic solutions (e.g. Harba, C-802, Harpoon and Exocet), collectively stressing the adversary’s air defence system and increasing the chances of successful impacts against intruding surface combatants. In testing the Harba ASCM in January 2018, the PN demonstrated its capacity for ‘distributed lethality’ wherein it can leverage a network-enabled warfare environment of multiple sensors to guide weapons deployed from off-board platforms.[19] In fact, the Naval Information Exchange System (NIXS), procured from Turkey’s MilSOFT, has enabled the PN to have its connected assets view the sensor-feed of other assets in real-time.[20]

The PAF’s airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft are essential to the PN’s network, but the PAF itself can also leverage it to deploy the CM-400AKG via the JF-17. Thus far, the PAF has deployed the JF-17 to the maritime operations theatre through the No. 2 Squadron at Masroor Air Base. Granted, there are range and payload limitations, especially at long-range, e.g. the JF-17 might require fuel-tanks, thereby limiting the ordnance load to two air-to-air missiles and two CM-400AKG. In-flight refueling and the size of the PAF JF-17 fleet (i.e. deploy escort aircraft) can partly compensate for these challenges, especially in terms of defending the coast, littoral sea/inner area of Pakistan’s exclusive economic zone.

Besides potential operational effectiveness, the CM-400AKG could plausibly be a more affordable missile than an ASCM. Yes, the CM-400AKG is, at its core, a glorified artillery rocket, but such designs are meant to be immediately expendable and low in cost, the latter owing to the scale they benefit from due to the quantitatively-heavy production to equip MLRS units. Furthermore, by being a small/quasi-ballistic missile the CM-400AKG is simpler to manufacture than a strategic ballistic missile and, potentially, can leverage the advances in MLRS development more easily. If not the CM-400AKG specifically, Pakistan can consider a comprehensive development program for such rockets as a means to build low-cost SOWs that can be deployed from air and land against land and sea-based targets.

This approach would not be unique to Pakistan. In 2013, Israel Military Industries (IMI) had developed a similar concept under the Multi-Purpose, Air-Launched Rocket System (MARS).[21] However, the MARS is a shorter-range solution at 100 km, it has a total weight of 500 kg. In 2016, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) introduced the SkySniper, an air-launched rocket.[22] Verifiable details of the SkySniper’s range and weight are not available, though it appears to be comparable to the MARS. However, the apparent outcome of the MARS and SkySniper was to provide a scalable and very-low-cost SOW to stress an enemy air defence system whilst also engaging targets at long-range.

The PAF could be in a position to deploy a low-cost, high-quantity SOW inventory through the JF-17, itself a relatively low-cost backbone fighter. Acknowledging the JF-17’s inherent deficiencies, such as its lack of range and endurance or the absence of some contemporary technology – such as helmet-mounted display and sight systems – in the current Block-I/II, the PAF can at least leverage quantity and low procurement and operational costs to its advantage. The PAF has the option (severe fiscal constraints notwithstanding) to field the JF-17 in sizable numbers, providing it the means to fully utilize relatively low-cost SOWs for an extensive strike and/or maritime operations campaign.

Conclusion

The CM-400AKG demonstrates the diversity and potential of the JF-17’s actual munitions options. While the PAF itself has limited its scope, currently, to the C-802A and REK, the Chinese – through their offerings – have shown the JF-17 can be deployed in many ways, including stand-off range saturation strikes against land and sea-based targets. In fact, the CM-400AKG shows that the JF-17 can deploy a unique munition in the form of a quasi-ballistic missile with, at least, terminal hypersonic speed. While limited in some areas, such as range and endurance, the JF-17’s potential versatility in deploying marquee munitions could give the PAF alternatives in lieu of costlier and more sophisticated platforms. It would not be perfect, but the ability to execute a credible defensive posture is what ultimately matters, and it appears that the obstacle preventing the JF-17 from achieving as much emanates from decisions more so than the aircraft itself.

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[1] Alan Warnes. “JF-17 Thunder: Pakistan’s Multi-Role Fighter.” (Promotional Article for the 2015 Paris Air Show). Pakistan Air Force. 2015.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Stephen Trimble. “Dubai: China details performance of ‘carrier killer’ missile for JF-17.” Flight Global. 19 November 2013. URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-china-details-performance-of-carrier-killer-393301/ (Last Accessed: 20 February 2018).

[4] Robert Hewson. “Airshow China 2012: CM-400 AKG Becomes Pakistan’s “Carrier Killer””. IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly. 16 November 2012.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Trimble. Flight Global. November 2013

[7] Hewson. IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly. November 2012

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Trimble. Flight Global. November 2013.

[12] CM-400AKG. Chinese Military Aviation. URL: http://chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.ca/p/missiles-iii.html (Last Accessed: 20 February 2018).

[13] Ankit Panda. “Qatar Parades New Chinese Short-Range Ballistic Missile System”. The Diplomat. 19 December 2017. URL: https://thediplomat.com/2017/12/qatar-parades-new-chinese-short-range-ballistic-missile-system/ (Last Accessed: 20 February 2018).

[14] Richard D. Fisher. Jr. “How the CCP-PLA Challenges America and its Allies.” China’s Military Modernization | Building for Regional and Global Reach. 2010. p.167.

[15] Ibid.

[16] Andrew S. Erickson. “Chinese Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile Development and Counter-intervention Efforts”. Testimony to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. 23 February 2017. URL: https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/Erickson_Testimony.pdf (Last Accessed: 20 February 2018).

[17] Ibid.

[18] Promotional Material. SM-6 Missile. Raytheon. URL: https://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/sm-6/

[19] “The impact of Pakistan’s Harba dual-AShM and LACM”. Quwa Premium. 09 January 2018. URL: https://quwa.org/2018/01/09/the-impact-of-pakistans-harba-dual-ashm-and-lacm/

[20] “Pakistan Defence Review: Procurement Updates”. Quwa Premium. 12 February 2018. URL: https://quwa.org/2018/02/12/pakistan-defence-review-procurement-updates/

[21] Arie Egozi. “IMO offers Mars missile for multiple fighters”. Flight Global. 25 July 2013. URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/imi-offers-mars-missile-for-multiple-fighters-388715/ (Last Accessed: 20 February 2018).

[22] Promotional Material. “Sky Sniper: Air Launched Precise Guided Missile”. Israel Aerospace Industries. URL: http://www.iai.co.il/Sip_Storage/FILES/3/41693.pdf (Last Accessed: 20 February 2018).

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The JF-17’s air-launched rocket (CM-400AKG) - Quwa