State broadcaster CCTV has hinted that the Victory Day parade in Beijing this week could feature improved versions of two of its hypersonic missiles, the YJ-21 and DF-17, both with enhanced penetration capabilities.
One anticipated highlight is the air-launched variant of the YJ-21, originally a sea-based hypersonic missile.
In a programme on Saturday, military commentator Wei Dongxu told CCTV it could be launched from bombers “outside enemy air defence zones, penetrate interceptors and destroy targets before quickly returning to base”.
“Hypersonic missiles will adapt according to mission and platform, providing versatility across combat scenarios,” Wei said, describing their development as pointing to a family of land-, sea- and air-launched variants.
Known as the KD-21 by military observers, the air-launched variant of the YJ-21 was first seen in 2018, with satellite imagery suggesting ongoing development. China has not confirmed that any such missile is in service.
