Which missile is described as the Guam killer?

Which missile is described as the Guam killer?

• A. DongFeng 26 missile
• B. YJ-18 missile
• C. YJ-12 missile
• D. DF-21 missile

Answer: (A)

The idea behind the label is long-range reach to a distant land target from where the missile is deployed. Among these, the DongFeng 26 is a mobile, long-range ballistic missile designed to strike distant land targets, including Guam, with a conventional warhead. That combination of mobile launch and a reach capable of reaching Guam fits the description people use when they say “Guam killer.” The other missiles don’t fit that characterization: YJ-18 is a sea-launched anti-ship cruise missile with much shorter reach and targets ships rather than land bases; YJ-12 is an air-launched missile with roles and ranges not aimed at striking Guam; and DF-21 family missiles are long-range ballistic missiles but aren’t the ones commonly described by that nickname.

The idea behind the label is long-range reach to a distant land target from where the missile is deployed. Among these, the DongFeng 26 is a mobile, long-range ballistic missile designed to strike distant land targets, including Guam, with a conventional warhead. That combination of mobile launch and a reach capable of reaching Guam fits the description people use when they say “Guam killer.” The other missiles don’t fit that characterization: YJ-18 is a sea-launched anti-ship cruise missile with much shorter reach and targets ships rather than land bases; YJ-12 is an air-launched missile with roles and ranges not aimed at striking Guam; and DF-21 family missiles are long-range ballistic missiles but aren’t the ones commonly described by that nickname.