In a context of rising strategic tensions, the Chinese Armed Forces have intensified efforts in the development of hypersonic missiles specifically designed to counter U.S. aircraft carriers, which serve as the primary tools of deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. These missiles, notable for their high speed and maneuverability, pose a significant threat to U.S. naval assets, which aim to contain China’s expanding influence in the region. In this regard, both U.S. military bases in the Pacific and its aircraft carrier fleet are critical components of this containment strategy, and China’s advancements in hypersonic missiles introduce a new challenge for these forces.
One of the key hypersonic systems in China’s strategy is the DF-17, officially incorporated into the Chinese Armed Forces in 2019 following initial tests under the name DF-ZF. The DF-17 is a medium-range missile equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 10. With an estimated range of 1,800 to 2,500 kilometers, the DF-17 can evade conventional U.S. missile defense systems, making it particularly suitable for anti-ship missions and high-precision strikes in strategic areas of the Indo-Pacific, especially within the containment belt where U.S. naval and land-based assets are deployed.
Additionally, recent reports indicate that satellite imagery has revealed a large hypersonic missile under the wing of the H-6N bomber, suggesting that China continues to develop airborne launch capabilities for its hypersonic missiles. This platform, a variant of the H-6, would enable the Chinese Armed Forces to extend their strike range even further, surpassing the limits of ground-based systems. Using bombers to deploy hypersonic missiles also enhances the flexibility and responsiveness of China’s arsenal, strengthening its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific. Based on the imagery, it is estimated that this version of hypersonic missiles could possess nuclear capabilities, adding to the H-6N’s arsenal and potentially allowing China to target not only nearby areas but also approach the U.S. continental coasts.
Among the most recent and advanced developments is the GDF-600 missile, a long-range hypersonic system designed to provide versatility in Chinese military operations. It is estimated that this missile has a range of approximately 600 kilometers and a speed of Mach 7, capable of carrying additional payloads in its warhead, including supersonic missiles, loitering munitions, drones, and submunitions. This system represents a game-changer, offering extremely rapid deployment to a target while also releasing intelligent subsystems in the area to maximize damage.
In addition to advancements in speed and range, China’s hypersonic missiles are integrated with electronic countermeasure and cyber warfare systems to optimize their combat performance. It was recently reported that new features have been added to Chinese hypersonic missiles. These capabilities allow the disruption of communications and the disabling of enemy radars in the attack zone, complicating defensive responses and increasing missile effectiveness in high-intensity scenarios. One system under development can even create a “communications blackout” in specific areas, hindering U.S. forces’ coordination abilities.
Another key aspect of China’s hypersonic program is the integration of advanced target acquisition and sensor systems to enhance missile accuracy. Using a network of satellites and radars, China has already achieved real-time detection capabilities, allowing its hypersonic missiles to adjust their trajectory mid-flight to intercept moving targets, such as aircraft carriers and other strategic platforms. This support infrastructure is essential to ensure missile effectiveness, enabling them to adapt dynamically to evolving combat environments and counter enemy evasive tactics.
In addition to these missiles, and linked to the earlier DF-21 systems, a network of mobile and submarine launchers has already been established in the South China Sea and other critical areas. These platforms can be used to launch hypersonic missiles. This deployment strategy on artificial islands and submarine platforms extends the range and coverage of Chinese systems, enhancing their power projection in the region.
As China’s capabilities advance rapidly, the U.S. faces the need to adapt its own defensive systems to counter these next-generation weapons. Current missile defenses are challenged by the speed, maneuverability, and evasive capabilities of hypersonic weapons, making the development of effective countermeasures a priority for the Pentagon. Adapting and developing new technologies will be crucial for the U.S. to maintain its deterrence capability in an increasingly hostile environment.
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