China Develops Hypersonic Air-to-Air Weapons Targeting High-Value Assets

The Central Military Commission of China has developed hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and cruise missiles capable of launching air-to-air weapons. These systems are designed to target high-value assets, such as tankers and the E-4B Nightwatch command-and-control aircraft, from thousands of miles away, threatening U.S. air operations that typically occur far from combat zones.

This development is part of a broader strategy to diversify the use of China's missile arsenal, which is the world's largest with over 3,150 ballistic weapons. While the DF-17 missile has a range of approximately 1,500 miles, the DF-27 can reach up to 5,000 miles, potentially putting Hawaii within range. China has also integrated anti-ship capabilities into various missile types.

In response, the United States is testing its own long-range capabilities. The United States Navy has tested the AIM-424 Malice missile, developed by RTX Corporation, while Lockheed Martin is producing the long-range AIM-260. However, the United States Department of War reports that the U.S. is facing supply shortages of strike and air defense weapons following six months of conflict with Iran.