China’s state broadcaster CCTV shows footage of a Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile launch, in a segment broadcast on a military news programme. The footage is presented as part of live-fire exercises. One segment depicts a DF-17 launch sequence involving a mobile launcher positioned by the roadside, followed by a vertical launch. Other parts of the broadcast describe additional training activity involving multiple branches of the People’s Liberation Army, though details vary in public descriptions. Analysts cited by reporting outlets say the DF-17 is a hypersonic weapon and could improve China’s deterrence and strike capabilities in the “first island chain” area, a strategic term referring to waters and island lines stretching from Japan toward Taiwan and beyond. The outlets also note that hypersonic speeds—described in terms exceeding Mach 5—are generally expected for the weapon and that such performance could complicate interception. The reporting characterizes the broadcast as a display of missile development and military readiness, without providing independent verification beyond the footage shown by CCTV.
China airs footage of DF-17 hypersonic missile launch
China’s state broadcaster CCTV shows footage of a Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile launch, in a segment broadcast on a military news programme. The footage is presented as part of live-fire exer...
- CCTV broadcasts footage showing a DF-17 (Dongfeng-17) hypersonic missile launch.
- The broadcast depicts live-fire exercises, including a mobile launcher followed by a vertical launch.
- Analysts described the DF-17 as potentially strengthening China’s deterrence posture within the first island chain.
- Reporting characterizes the DF-17 as capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5, which may challenge interception.
- The broadcast also includes additional PLA training involving multiple services or branches.
China's state broadcaster CCTV has revealed footage of the Dongfeng-17 hypersonic missile launch, a significant display of Beijing's enhanced military capabilities. Analysts suggest this move bolsters China's deterrent posture within the crucial first island chain. The missile, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5, poses a formidable challenge to interception, reaching targets across vital strategic waterways. This demonstration underscores China's commitment to national security and its advanced missile development.
18 hours agoChina’s state broadcaster CCTV has aired footage showing the launch of a DF-17 hypersonic missile, a weapon that analysts believe could strengthen deterrence across the first island chain. On Saturday, a military news programme carried footage of two live-fire exercises, one of which showed a Dongfeng-17, or “east wind”, missile launcher by the side of a road, followed by a vertical launch. The other segment showed training exercises involving multiple branches of the People’s Liberation Army...
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