Top 5 Anti-Ship Missiles: BrahMos vs Harpoon vs Exocet vs YJ-18 vs Otomat

In the era of modern naval warfare, the ability to strike enemy vessels with speed and precision is critical. Anti-ship missiles (AShMs) have become essential tools for denying sea access, enforcing blockades, and neutralizing maritime threats from beyond visual range.

The world’s top navies rely on cutting-edge AShMs that combine supersonic speeds, stealth, precision guidance, and multi-platform deployment. This article compares the top 5 anti-ship missiles currently in service or widely deployed: BrahMos (India/Russia), Harpoon (USA), Exocet (France), YJ-18 (China), and Otomat (Italy).

1. BrahMos (India/Russia): The Supersonic Strike Leader

The BrahMos missile is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia. It is considered one of the fastest and deadliest anti-ship missiles in active service.

Speed and Range

BrahMos travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to Mach 3, making it extremely difficult to intercept. The latest BrahMos-ER variant extends the range beyond 500 km, with further developments aiming for 800+ km.

Deployment Platforms

The missile is launched from ships, submarines, land-based launchers, and now aircraft (notably the Su-30MKI). It features sea-skimming capability and a terminal active radar seeker for precision.

Strategic Significance

BrahMos is central to India’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy and is also being exported to countries like the Philippines, making it a rising global deterrent.

2. Harpoon (USA): The Battle-Tested Western Standard

Developed by Boeing, the Harpoon missile has served as the backbone of U.S. and allied naval strike forces for decades. With multiple upgrades, it remains highly relevant in 2025.

Proven Capability

The latest Block II+ ER variant has a range of over 300 km and includes GPS guidance, data-link updates, and re-targeting capability in flight. It remains subsonic but highly reliable.

Global Use

Harpoon is deployed by over 30 countries and integrated across surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. Its flexibility and long-standing track record in conflicts make it a trusted combat asset.

Combat History

Used in real-world operations since the 1980s, the Harpoon has a strong record of operational reliability and remains interoperable with NATO systems.

3. Exocet (France): Compact and Combat-Proven

France’s Exocet missile, produced by MBDA, is one of the most widely used anti-ship missiles in the world. Known for its compact design and lethal strikes, it has seen action in numerous naval engagements.

Design and Versatility

The Exocet is lightweight and designed for sea-skimming flight, reducing radar visibility. The latest MM40 Block 3 variant has a range of up to 200 km and includes GPS mid-course updates.

Operational Legacy

Notably used in the Falklands War, Iran-Iraq War, and Yemen conflict, the Exocet has a reputation for being difficult to intercept due to its low-altitude terminal approach.

Export and Integration

It is compatible with various Western and non-Western naval platforms, making it a top export product for countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

4. YJ-18 (China): The Dual-Speed Hybrid Missile

The YJ-18 missile, developed by China, is a long-range anti-ship missile widely seen as the PLA Navy’s counter to U.S. naval dominance. It combines long-range capability with a supersonic terminal phase.

Unique Dual-Speed Profile

The YJ-18 flies at subsonic speed (Mach 0.8) during cruise, but accelerates to Mach 2.5–3.0 in the final 20–30 km of flight. This sudden burst dramatically reduces the target’s reaction time.

Extended Reach

With an estimated range of 540 km, the YJ-18 can threaten ships from well beyond conventional engagement distances. It is launched from Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers, submarines, and coastal batteries.

Strategic Role

It supports China’s anti-access strategy in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, potentially overwhelming enemy fleets through mass saturation strikes.

5. Otomat Mk2 (Italy): European Endurance and Accuracy

The Otomat Mk2, developed by Italy’s MBDA and previously with OTO Melara, is a long-serving anti-ship missile system with a focus on over-the-horizon targeting and precision guidance.

Guidance and Control

The Otomat features in-flight data-link updates, enabling mid-course corrections based on real-time intelligence. Its range exceeds 180 km, and it uses active radar homing in the terminal phase.

Ship-Killing Accuracy

It flies at low altitude (sea-skimming) and has a large warhead capable of disabling large surface combatants. Its modular design allows for upgrades and integration with modern ships.

Modern Role

Although less hyped than its rivals, the Otomat remains a respected AShM in European and Mediterranean navies, offering dependable performance and network-centric integration.