China has reportedly developed a hypersonic missile capable of striking targets over 1,240 miles (2,000 km) away, dwarfing any existing aerial defense capabilities in the world.
The new missile, unveiled by Chinese researchers, represents a significant advancement in military technology and underscores China's growing prominence in the field.
China Makes a Massive Leap in Missile Technology
According to the South China Morning Post, the missile is a long-range, solid-fueled, air-to-surface missile (SAM) designed to intercept airborne early-warning aircraft and long-range bombers. This development marks a considerable leap forward in missile technology, with the new SAM quadrupling the range of existing systems.
Led by Su Hua, an associate researcher at Northwestern Polytechnical University, the team behind the missile exceeded expectations by creating an ultra-long-range weapon measuring only 8 meters in length and weighing 2.5 tonnes. This compact design is aimed at providing a cost-effective and convenient solution for daily operations, with the missile suitable for vehicle-mounted mobile launches.
The missile's propulsion system combines a solid rocket motor for vertical launch with a ramjet engine for propulsion into the upper atmosphere. Real-time data from reconnaissance satellites will guide the missile, which will switch to its sensors for the final approach, detonating its warhead at an effective kill range.
(Photo : STR/AFP via Getty Images)
This picture taken on an undisclosed date in December 2016 shows a missile being fired from the Liaoning aircraft carrier during military drills in the Bohai Sea, off China's northeast coast. China's Liaoning aircraft carrier battle group has conducted its first exercises with live ammunition, the country's navy said, in a show of strength as tensions with the US and Taiwan escalate.
China's satellite monitoring network, including the Jilin-1 Earth observation satellite constellation, plays a crucial role in guiding the new missile. This advanced network enables the tracking of stealth aircraft and contributes to China's anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, enhancing its strategic military posture.
China's Growing Military Capabilities
The development of hypersonic weapons technology by China reflects broader advancements in military capabilities, with applications ranging from attacking aircraft carriers to engaging US stealth bombers. The PLA's conventional ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons already cover all US military bases in the first island chain, extending from the Japanese archipelago to Borneo.
In response to China's advancements, the US military has been reallocating its forces to the second island chain, including Guam, positioning itself strategically in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Earlier this month, the US Air Force conducted a hypersonic missile test near Guam, showcasing its capabilities in the region.
Despite concerns, the US Air Force has been requesting $517 million for another weapon known as the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM). However, the Air Force has no plans at present to purchase the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, which can strike ground targets at speeds more than Mach 7 from over 994 miles away.
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