China develops hypersonic weapons capable of targeting aircraft thousands of kilometres away

China has developed hypersonic glide vehicles capable of targeting high-value aircraft from thousands of kilometres away, potentially challenging US air operations in future conflicts, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. These weapons could pose a serious threat to US support aircraft, such as aerial refuelling tankers and airborne early-warning systems, which operate far from the battlefield.

The hypersonic glide vehicles are designed to attack critical targets, including the US Air Force's E-4B Nightwatch. China has also integrated air-to-air capabilities into some of these hypersonic cruise missiles and developed anti-ship capabilities for several missile types. The development reflects a broader Chinese effort to expand the roles of its missile forces, which now exceed 3,150 ballistic missiles and 300 ground-launched cruise missiles.

The hypersonic glide vehicles, deployed from advanced Chinese missiles like the DF-17 and DF-27, can travel up to 2,414 kilometres and 8,000 kilometres, respectively, targeting distant adversaries. Despite the operational challenges, China appears to be rapidly advancing its missile technology, with Bloomberg reporting a surge in Chinese missile production in 2025.

The United States is also investing in long-range air-to-air capabilities, including the AIM-424 Malice and AIM-174B missiles, to protect its support aircraft and counter the growing Chinese threat.