China: Hypersonic Weapons Programs Punch Through Technological Barriers

MIN READDec 28, 2017 | 18:22 GMT

(Stratfor)

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....