China's DF-17 hypersonic missile nears combat readiness

China's DF-17 hypersonic glide missile, deemed capable of evading current air defense systems, may have reached combat readiness, suggests a recent Chinese state television documentary marking the 99th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This missile system merges a ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle, which, after launch, separates from its booster and races through the atmosphere at speeds surpassing Mach 5 while altering its trajectory.

This maneuverability renders the DF-17 significantly more challenging to detect, track, and intercept compared to traditional ballistic missiles. The documentary captured images of the missile's wedge-shaped profile and stabilizing fins mounted on transporter erector launchers, aligning with earlier observations of the DF-17. Military officials are confident in its capability to swiftly target strategic sites with limited warning, attributing this to its ability to modify its flight path mid-journey.

First unveiled during a 2019 National Day military parade, the DF-17 has garnered international attention, notably from the United States and regional allies, prompting them to expedite their own hypersonic weapon and missile defense advancements. With an estimated range of around 1,500 miles, the missile can reach targets in the western Pacific, including China's strategic military bases and naval forces.

As such, the DF-17 is central to Beijing's anti-access/area denial strategy, aiming to deter or delay potential adversary interventions. China's dedication to hypersonic technology is evident, with the nation accelerating research into next-generation missile systems exhibiting unprecedented speed and agility. These weapons, experts suggest, diminish an opponent's reaction time and complicate existing missile defense systems.