China’s latest military breakthrough is sending shockwaves through defense circles. Researchers from the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force claim they have developed hypersonic missiles that can be launched from space, reaching speeds of Mach 20 and striking any target on Earth within 30 minutes.
The technology relies on re-entry glide vehicles (RGVs), which can maneuver unpredictably, making them extremely difficult to intercept. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, these weapons do not follow a fixed trajectory, allowing them to evade existing missile defense systems.
Chinese military scientists published their findings in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, detailing how these missiles could be deployed from satellites or ground-based launchers. The study suggests that this capability could compress adversary response times, making countermeasures nearly impossible.
The implications are staggering. A missile traveling at 13,000 miles per hour could bypass radar detection, leaving nations with little time to react. Defense analysts warn that this development could shift global military strategy, forcing countries to rethink their missile defense systems.
Despite the technological leap, Chinese researchers acknowledge critical weaknesses in their system. The missiles generate strong infrared signatures, making them vulnerable to advanced tracking technologies. Additionally, the cost and complexity of deploying space-based weapons remain significant hurdles.
The United States and its allies are closely monitoring these advancements. Washington has been investing heavily in hypersonic missile defense, but experts caution that current systems may not be sufficient to counter China’s latest capabilities.
Sources:
https://interestingengineering.com/military/china-hypersonic-missile-gets-mach-20-speed