- China's new missile can target planes flying near the US, according to a report.
- As of 2024, China has at least 3,150 ballistic missiles and 300 ground-launched cruise missiles, increases of 147% and 50% respectively from 2015.
- China's missile modernisation is prioritising the "ability to inflict coordinated, system–level damage across an adversary's operational architecture", according to a 2026 report by the US Air Force's China Aerospace Studies Institute.
China's missile modernization is increasingly focused on developing hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) that can target aircraft such as the US Air Force's E-4B Nightwatch from thousands of miles away. These advancements pose a significant threat to aerial refueling tankers and airborne early-warning jets.
According to a Bloomberg report, China is the only nation known to operate and develop HGVs capable of launching air-to-air missiles. The DF-17 missile can travel approximately 2,414 kilometers, nearly reaching US territory in Guam, while the more advanced DF-27 missile has a range of about 8,000 kilometers, potentially targeting areas as far as Hawaii.
However, the use of ballistic missiles for such operations is fraught with challenges. The long
“The 2026 report by the US Air Force's China Aerospace Studies Institute highlights China's focus on coordinated, system-level damage. Pentagon estimates as of 2024 show China has at least 3,150 ballistic missiles and 300 ground-launched cruise missiles, up 147% and 50% from 2015.”
