Global Hypersonic Missile Race: China and Russia Lead, U.S. Scrambles to Keep Up

In a dazzling military parade in Beijing, the DF-17 hypersonic missile was showcased under bright sunlight, demonstrating China’s advanced hypersonic technology. Measuring 11 meters in length and weighing 15 tons, these missiles highlight China’s cutting-edge defense capabilities.

The DF-17 missile was first unveiled during the National Day parade on October 1, 2019. At that time, the United States was already aware that China was developing these missiles. Over the past few years, China has advanced the technology, enabling each missile to travel at high speed and change direction at any moment.

Hypersonic missiles can travel at speeds more than five times the speed of sound and can unpredictably alter their trajectory, making them extremely difficult to detect and intercept. Experts warn that such weapons could change the nature of warfare.

Currently, China leads the world in hypersonic missile development, followed by Russia. The United States is still behind, and the United Kingdom does not possess any hypersonic missiles. Israel defends using Arrow 3 missiles, while Iran and North Korea are also developing their hypersonic programs.

There are primarily two types of hypersonic missiles:

• Boost-Glide Missiles: Launched into the atmosphere by a rocket, they descend rapidly toward the target and can change direction at will.
  
  

• Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: Fly closer to the Earth’s surface, evade radar detection, and strike the target with precision.
  
  

These are dual-use weapons, capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads. Their speed and unpredictable flight paths pose significant challenges to defense systems.

The United States has already unveiled the Dark Eagle hypersonic weapon. However, experts note that China and Russia possess much more advanced technology, raising concerns for the U.S. and NATO.

Analysts warn that while hypersonic technology may not fundamentally change the nature of warfare, it significantly shortens reaction times during combat. There is very little opportunity for interception before the missile reaches its target.

The advancements by China and Russia pose a major challenge for Western nations, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced satellite and space-based sensors to detect and counter these missiles.

However, some analysts argue that the hype around hypersonic weapons is somewhat exaggerated. While their speed and strategic capabilities make them effective for striking critical targets, they can be countered if accurate detection and interception technologies are in place.

Source:BBC News