China has recently tested the first modern operational hypersonic weapon system. The hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) flies lower than the ballistic missile radar and has a speed that is 10 times the speed of sound. This makes it fast enough to hit any target around the globe within an hour. It was reported that China has tested two of its hypersonic glide vehicles and both of them were fully equipped with missiles. The missiles can hit between the range of 1800 to 2500-km.
Both the tests were carried out by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). The first test was carried out on 1st November while the 2nd took place on the 15th of November. This new weapon, HGV warhead, is currently under development in Russia and USA. According to US intelligence source, the DF-17 might be operational by 2020. The HGV will be the most powerful and advanced technology weapon. It can be used to deliver missiles including the nuclear missiles. It can hit speeds up to 7680 miles per hour. This is approximately 10 times the speed of sound.
The HGV system can be used with various types of ballistic missiles. This includes intercontinental ballistic missiles as well that can hit the target at 5500km at least. The HGVs flies under the traditional missile radar and can fly much slower as compared to the traditional missiles when they begin descending. This gives them an edge and makes them unscannable and the target stays defenseless. The missiles can also be used for defense and strategic purposes on a wider range.
Let’s see how China plans to use the new technology. Fingers crossed!