China has demonstrated the launch of its Dongfeng hypersonic missiles for the first time
The South China Morning Post reports on this.
Analysts describe the hypersonic missile as a significant deterrent. China first unveiled it during a military parade in Beijing in October 2019. Now, for the first time, footage of its launch has been released.
The footage also shows several vehicles carrying DF-17 missiles simultaneously taking up launch positions. This may indicate that multiple launches are being practised. The report claimed that the DF-17 missile is capable of operating in challenging terrain and under conditions involving ‘various obstacles’. The television channel reported that the units responsible for the launch had to prepare for situations such as strong electromagnetic interference and high-precision counter-attacks. It was also reported that “intensive inter-agency” training “has become the norm” for the missile forces.
The report also showed several other missiles. In particular, the new DF-26 medium-range missile. According to CCTV, it was also launched during the exercises, but no footage of the launch was shown. The missile has a range of up to 5,740 km and is known as the ‘Guam killer’ as it is capable of reaching this remote US island.
The DF-17 has a range of 2,500 km. This could enable China to strike not only deep into the mainland but also to reach strategically important islands in the Pacific Ocean. This archipelago separates China from the open waters of the Pacific Ocean and is a key element of the US deterrence strategy.
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