China: Hypersonic Weapons Programs Punch Through Technological Barriers

China is further along in developing hypersonic weapons than previously expected. According to reports in The Diplomat on Dec. 28, China conducted two tests of a new hypersonic glide vehicle equipped ballistic missile designated as the DF-17 in November. U.S. sources said the missile tests were successful and that the DF-17 is expected to reach initial operational capability around 2020. Previous hypersonic glide vehicle tests, such as the Chinese DF-ZF and the U.S. Hypersonic Test Vehicle, have focused on prototyping and experimental designs. The DF-17 is now the first missile slated for operational deployment to be equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle....