What is DF-17? China’s hypersonic maneuverable ballistic missile.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium-range ballistic missile + hypersonic glide warhead (MRBM + HGV) |
| Manufacturer | China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) |
| Weight | ≈15,000 kg (estimated) |
| Length | ≈11 m (estimated) |
| Range | ≈1,800-2,500 km (estimated) |
| Speed | Mach 5-10 (HGV phase) |
| Warhead | DF-ZF (HGV) — hypersonic glide, nuclear or conventional |
| Guidance | INS + Beidou GPS + terminal maneuvering |
| Launch | TEL — truck-mounted vertical launch |
| Stealth | None (classic ballistic launch is visible) |
| Maneuverability | Directional change within the atmosphere |
| Official Statement | 70th Anniversary Military Parade of the People’s Republic of China — 2019-10-01 |
| Service | 2019+ (operational) |
| Users | China (PLA Rocket Force) |
Why is it revolutionary?
- Classic ballistic missile trajectories are predictable
- DF-ZF warhead maneuvers in the atmosphere
- Patriot, THAAD, Aegis — classic BMD is surpassed
- Speed of Mach 5-10 — extremely short reaction time
- U.S. aircraft carriers face threats in open areas
- Long-term target technology for Turkey
- Hypersonic weapons race — U.S. AGM-183, Russian Avangard, U.S. ARRW
