Why a Chinese expert believes the DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles could redefine air defence
China's state media has released new footage showing a convoy of DF-17 hypersonic missile launchers, highlighting the weapon's operational deployment
China has revealed fresh footage of multiple DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles, with military experts suggesting its unique capabilities could revolutionize modern air-defense systems. The DF-17's hypersonic speed and unpredictable flight paths, including lateral maneuvers, make it extremely difficult for conventional interception systems to track and counter
China has revealed fresh footage of multiple DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles, with military experts suggesting its unique capabilities could revolutionize modern air-defense systems. The DF-17's hypersonic speed and unpredictable flight paths, including lateral maneuvers, make it extremely difficult for conventional interception systems to track and counter
China has revealed fresh footage of multiple DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles, with military experts suggesting its unique capabilities could revolutionize modern air-defense systems. The DF-17's hypersonic speed and unpredictable flight paths, including lateral maneuvers, make it extremely difficult for conventional interception systems to track and counter
China has showcased fresh footage of multiple DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles, with a Chinese military expert claiming the weapon's unique capabilities could fundamentally change the way modern air-defence systems operate.
The footage, released by state broadcaster CCTV News as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) marked its 99th anniversary, showed at least six DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles of the PLA Rocket Force appearing together in a single frame.
Commenting on the development, Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Junshe told the state-run Global Times that the DF-17 is a key component of China's missile force and has the potential to reshape modern air-defence operations.
According to Zhang, the missile's hypersonic speed allows it to penetrate advanced air-defence systems while accurately striking key military targets.
He said the DF-17 has already been mass-deployed and is currently on combat duty.
Explaining what makes the missile difficult to counter, Zhang said it is capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds while performing lateral manoeuvres during flight. These unpredictable flight paths, he said, make it far more difficult for conventional air-defence systems to track and intercept the weapon.
The video released by CCTV News shows a convoy of DF-17 transporter erector launchers (TELs) moving in formation along a rural road, highlighting the operational deployment of the missile system.
According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, the DF-17 is believed to have a strike range of 1,800-2,500 km, enabling it to reach the First Island Chain—a strategic arc stretching from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines—and beyond.
For India, the missile's reported range means it could potentially cover large parts of the country from launch locations within China. Its hypersonic speed and manoeuvrability could also make interception by conventional air-defence systems significantly more challenging.
The DF-17 was first unveiled during China's National Day military parade in Beijing in October 2019. According to the South China Morning Post, it is China's first operational hypersonic glide weapon and is widely regarded as the first weapon of its kind to enter operational service anywhere in the world.