Chinese television showed footage of the DF-17 launcher (Dongfeng-17 - "East Wind" -17). The missiles of this complex are positioned in China as hypersonic weapons., capable of reaching speeds up to 10 Makhov (10 sound velocities).
It was initially reported, that DF-17 missiles are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 3 thousands of kilometers. Now in China they declare their intercontinental range - up to 7 thousands of kilometers.
In this way, in the zone of destruction of these missiles are the territories of many potential adversaries of the People's Republic of China, including facilities such as US bases in the Pacific.
The PRC is positioning Dongfeng-17 missiles as means of destruction of aircraft carriers and objects of strategically important infrastructure. Previously, the Chinese press considered options, in which the targets of these hypersonic missiles are the US Air Force and Navy bases on the island of Guam. After that, the United States started talking about the need to create "alternative military bases" in the Pacific, including the islands, where military facilities have not been operated for several decades - in fact, since the end of the Cold War.
The DF-17 missile is capable of carrying as usual, and a nuclear warhead. In this sense, it becomes a new step in the development of the Chinese nuclear arsenal..
A Chinese vehicle with a 10x10 wheel arrangement was chosen as an automotive platform for the DF-17 rocket.
Launcher movements seen in western China.
used photos:China Television
