China has unveiled a new hypersonic cruise missile, claiming the superfast weapon offers “powerful penetration” strike capabilities.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Why It Matters
The newest Chinese hypersonic missile debuted during Wednesday’s military parade in Beijing, which showcased a number of new advanced weapons, including anti-ballistic missile defense systems and nuclear missiles capable of reaching targets worldwide.
Major military powers—including China, the United States and Russia—are racing to develop and deploy hypersonic weapons, which are capable of flying at over five times the speed of sound and maneuvering during flight, making them difficult to intercept.
China’s latest military development follows the inaugural deployment of the U.S.’ Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) in the Western Pacific during a July war game. The LRHW is scheduled to field its first operational unit by the end of this month.
What To Know
A formation of three types of cruise missiles was paraded through Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday, featuring the CJ-20A, the YJ-18C and the CJ-1000, which are operated respectively by the air force, the navy and the rocket force—the branch responsible for land-based missiles.
According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, the CJ-1000 hypersonic cruise missile is capable of conducting long-range precision strikes. China Central Television reported that the new missile features “powerful penetration” and “instant-launch” capabilities.
Chinese military expert Shao Yongling told the Global Times that the CJ-1000 is an upgraded version of the CJ-100, which was unveiled in 2019.
Given its high-speed and maneuverability, the CJ-1000 could be deployed to strike heavily defended and time-sensitive high-value targets, according to the expert.
Time-sensitive targets are defined as fleeting targets requiring an immediate response, such as mobile command and control vehicles or mobile rocket launchers.
The CJ-100 flies slightly slower than the CJ-1000, reaching up to four times the speed of sound, according to information disclosed at a Chinese airshow last year.
The CJ-100 is reported to have a range of 1,864 to 2,485 miles, allowing it to strike Guam—America’s westernmost territory and a military hub—from mainland China. It is unknown if the CJ-1000 has a longer range.
For comparison, the U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile has a range of 1,000 miles and can be launched from ships, submarines and the Typhon land-based system. The combat-tested missile, however, flies at subsonic speeds.
What People Are Saying
Chinese military expert Shao Yongling told the Global Times on Wednesday: “Due to its faster flight speed and better maneuverability, the CJ-1000 can effectively reduce the success rate of interception by existing missile defense systems.”
The Pentagon’s Chinese military power report commented: “The [People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force] is critical to the [People’s Republic of China]’s nuclear deterrence strategy and its strategy to deter and counter third-party intervention in regional conflicts.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether China will test-launch the CJ-1000 in the near future to demonstrate its deterrence against U.S. forces operating in the Western Pacific.
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