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DF-17

Chinese ballistic missile equipped with hypersonic glide vehicle

DF-17 (Dongfeng-17) is a medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile in the inventory of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) of China. Its distinguishing feature from traditional ballistic missiles is the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). This warhead maneuvers at a speed of Mach 5+ and glides at low altitudes after re-entering the atmosphere, surpassing traditional ballistic missile defenses. Officially showcased in 2019, it marks the advent of the hypersonic weapons era.

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• What is DF-17?

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What is DF-17?

DF-17 (Dongfeng-17, “Dongfeng-17”) is a medium-range ballistic missile in the inventory of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force. Its NATO designation is CSS-22. The manufacturer is CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation).

The difference between DF-17 and traditional ballistic missiles lies in the DF-ZF (formerly known as “WU-14”) hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). Its operational principle is as follows:

1. The missile is launched outside the atmosphere like a traditional ballistic missile.
2. At a certain altitude, the DF-ZF warhead separates.
3. The warhead re-enters the atmosphere, but instead of descending directly like a ballistic missile, it “glides” through the atmosphere using its wings.
4. During the glide, it changes direction and maneuvers. Its speed is approximately between Mach 5-10.

This maneuverability surpasses traditional ballistic missile defenses. Systems like Patriot, THAAD, and Aegis BMD can calculate and intercept the predictable trajectories of enemy ballistic missiles. However, HGVs like DF-ZF take unpredictable paths by maneuvering at any time. Therefore, hypersonic weapons are referred to as “game changers”.

Strategic targets:

• U.S. bases in Taiwan, Japan, Guam — within the range of the Pacific Command.
• U.S. aircraft carriers — large platforms in open areas.
• Can carry nuclear or conventional warheads.

Officially showcased during the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 2019. U.S. defense analysts have assessed DF-17 as “the greatest concern for the U.S. in the Pacific.” Turkey’s ballistic missile projects like BORA-4 and TAYFUN Block-4 are also targeting hypersonic HGV technology in the long term.

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