China has tried a hypersonic missile with nuclear capacity, as reported in exclusively the Financial Times (FT).
The article, which cites sources that were aware of the test, indicates that Beijing launched a missile with a nuclear capacity in August that turned the earth back into low orbit before descending towards its goal, from which it fell to more than 32 kilometers away, according to three different sources.
FT sources noted that the hypersonic missile was transported by a Long March rocket, whose launches are generally announced, while the August test remained secret.
This progress from China in hypersonic weapons "took by surprise to US intelligence," says the article.
In addition to China, the United States, Russia and at least five other countries are working on hypersonic technology.
Hypersonic missiles, such as traditional ballistic missiles that can transport nuclear weapons, can fly more than five times the speed of sound.
The ballistic missiles fly high in space by making an arc to reach its goal, while a hypersonic missile takes a low path in the atmosphere hitting its target potentially faster.
In addition, a hypersonic missile is maneuverable, which makes it harder to follow and counteract.
Countries such as the United States have developed systems designed to defend themselves with ballistic and cruise missiles, but the ability to track and tear down a hypersonic missile.
China has developed the technology in an offensive manner, considering it crucial to defend against US advances in hypersonic and other technologies, according to a recent report of the Congress Research Service (CRS) of the North American country.
The reported test this Saturday occurs at a time when tensions between the United States and China have intensified and Beijing has accentuated military activities near Taiwan, autonomous democracy aligned with Washington that China sees as a province waiting for reunification.
Date Of Update: 17 October 2021, 02:07
