China has released fresh footage of multiple DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles as part of celebrations marking the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
China Showcases DF-17 Hypersonic Missile Systems
China has released fresh footage of multiple DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles as part of celebrations marking the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The footage showed several launch vehicles together, highlighting the operational deployment of the missile system.
Background
The DF-17 is equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle, allowing it to travel at extremely high speeds while manoeuvring during flight. Chinese analysts describe it as a major component of China’s strategic missile force.
Key Highlights
- Fresh operational footage released by Chinese state media.
- Missile estimated range: 1,800–2,500 km.
- Capable of striking targets across the first island chain in the western Pacific.
- Designed to penetrate advanced air-defence systems.
- Reportedly already in combat deployment.
Significance
The DF-17 reflects China’s progress in hypersonic weapon technology and has important implications for regional military balance and future air-defence strategies.
China’s Missile Arsenal (Exam-Oriented Notes)
China possesses one of the world’s largest and most advanced missile forces, primarily operated by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). Its missile inventory includes ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonic missiles, anti-ship missiles, and air defence missiles designed for conventional and nuclear roles.
1. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)
| Missile | Type | Range | Capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF-5B/C | Silo-based ICBM | 12,000–15,000 km | Nuclear, MIRV capable |
| DF-31A | Road-mobile ICBM | ~11,000 km | Nuclear |
| DF-31AG | Road-mobile ICBM | ~11,000 km | Improved mobility |
| DF-41 | Road-mobile ICBM | 12,000–15,000 km | Nuclear, MIRV capable |
2. Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs)
| Missile | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| DF-26 | 3,000–4,000 km | Conventional & Nuclear |
| DF-17 | 1,800–2,500 km | Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) |
DF-26 is often called the “Guam Killer” because it can target military bases on Guam.
3. Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs)
| Missile | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| DF-21D | ~1,500 km | Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) |
| DF-21A/C | 1,500–2,000 km | Conventional/Nuclear Strike |
DF-21D is widely known as the “Carrier Killer” due to its anti-ship capability.
4. Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs)
| Missile | Range |
|---|---|
| DF-11 | 300–600 km |
| DF-15 | 600–900 km |
| DF-16 | 800–1,000 km |
These missiles are primarily intended for regional strike missions.
5. Cruise Missiles
| Missile | Type | Range |
|---|---|---|
| CJ-10 | Land Attack Cruise Missile | ~1,500 km |
| YJ-18 | Anti-Ship Cruise Missile | 500–600 km |
| YJ-12 | Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile | ~400 km |
6. Hypersonic Missiles
| Missile | Feature |
|---|---|
| DF-17 | Hypersonic Glide Vehicle |
| YJ-21 | Ship-launched hypersonic anti-ship missile (reported) |
7. Anti-Ship Missiles
- DF-21D – Carrier Killer
- DF-26B – Anti-ship ballistic missile variant
- YJ-12 – Supersonic anti-ship cruise missile
- YJ-18 – Long-range anti-ship cruise missile
8. Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Systems
| System | Range |
|---|---|
| HQ-9B | ~250 km |
| HQ-22 | ~170 km |
| HQ-19 | Ballistic missile defence/interceptor (reported capability) |
9. Air-Launched Missiles
- PL-10 – Short-range air-to-air missile
- PL-15 – Beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile
- PL-17 (reported) – Very long-range air-to-air missile
10. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)
| Missile | Range | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| JL-2 | ~7,000–8,000 km | Type 094 SSBN |
| JL-3 | Estimated >10,000 km | Type 096 SSBN (planned/future deployment) |
Important Nicknames
| Missile | Nickname |
|---|---|
| DF-21D | Carrier Killer |
| DF-26 | Guam Killer |
| DF-17 | China’s Operational Hypersonic Missile |
