China has deployed DF-27 hypersonic ballistic missiles with a range of 8,000 km and a speed of 10,500 km/h that could evade US air defences

The People's Liberation Army of China has a new hypersonic ballistic missile. It is called the DF-27. The photo above shows the DF-26 with a range of up to 5,000 km.

Here's What We Know

The ballistic missile is likely capable of bypassing US air defence systems and could strike any target in Southeast or East Asia. The Washington Post reports this, citing classified US intelligence documents leaked to the internet.

The Chinese army conducted a successful test of a hypersonic ballistic missile in late winter 2023. In the tests, the missile flew 2,100km in 12 minutes. This meant a flight speed of 10,500 km/h, which corresponds to Mach 8.5. The DF-27 has a maximum launch range of 5,000-8,000 km.

According to The Washington Post, the Chinese army has been able to deploy several missiles, including modifications capable of destroying not only ground targets but also ships. How many DF-27 missiles China has in total is not specified at the moment.

Nor should it be forgotten that China has no plans to halt its nuclear modernisation programme. China is building about 350 silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles and is also building hundreds of nuclear warheads and mobile launchers for medium- and long-range missiles.

Source: The Washington Post