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China tests nuclear capable hypersonic missile

Part of: Prelims and GS II – International Relations and GS-III – Defence and Security

Context China’s military has carried out its first-ever test of a “nuclear capable hypersonic missile”.

It circled the globe through low-orbit space before speeding towards its target, demonstrating an advanced space capability
Only the U.S, Russia and China were developing hypersonic glide vehicles that are launched on rockets and then orbit the earth at their own speed.
- They are difficult to track because unlike ballistic missiles, they “do not follow the fixed parabolic trajectory”.
Challenge for USA: The weapon could, in theory, fly over the South Pole which would pose a big challenge for the U.S. military because its missiles defence systems are focused on the northern polar route

What is a hypersonic missile?

Hypersonics are defined as being able to travel at velocities of at least five times the speed of sound — Mach 5, or more than 6,100 kilometres (3,800 miles) per hour.
They can also manoeuvre in mid-flight, making them much harder to track and intercept than traditional projectiles.
By cutting flight times, they also reduce the opportunity to respond.
Depending on the design, they can be capable of carrying nuclear warheads or conventional only, and have the potential to alter the strategic balance.

Which countries possess them?

Russia, USA and China
Russia is generally seen as the world leader in technology so far, developing a range of new hypersonic weapons that
In July it successfully tested the Zircon, a ship-launched hypersonic missile travelling at seven times the speed of sound.
It already has Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles and the air-launched Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles in its arsenal.

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