Ultrafast penetrator

With a futuristic aerodynamic design, the DF-17 is able to deliver a conventional warhead for a short-or medium-range precision attack on targets in all weather conditions, according to the PLA.

Each DF-17 unit can independently launch the missile without relying on the support of other facilities, the military announced at the parade, noting the missile would be good at penetrating enemy defense networks.

Information about the weapon was apparently among the most closely guarded secrets of the Chinese armed forces as there was not a single picture of the missile available on the internet before its Tuesday debut, which was notable given the fact that even a handful of DF-41 photos could be found on Chinese weapons websites.

According to earlier reports, the DF-17's biggest advantage over other kinds of ballistic missiles lies in its payload－a hypersonic glide vehicle that observers said can fly above the upper edge of the atmosphere and frequently change direction, resulting in sophisticated trajectories. That is likely to make it extremely difficult for missile defense systems to track and intercept it.

Yang said the DF-17 is a new model of tactical ballistic missile characterized by its ultrafast speed and a maneuverable warhead capable of changing its flight trajectory.

"The missile can pierce through air defense systems at an extremely fast speed and then hit the target accurately," he said. "Moreover, the weapon system promises a high level of flexibility and rapidity when it is fielded and used.

"Considering the sophisticated circumstances along China's borders, its deployment enables us to respond to possible emergency situations in neighboring regions. It is more useful than larger, mightier missiles."

Cao Weidong, a senior researcher at the PLA's Naval Research Academy, said the DF-17's astonishing velocity means an enemy would have very little time to respond to the incoming warhead or move the target, which made it an effective option for precision attacks.

Yin Zhuo, a retired PLA Navy researcher, previously told China Central Television that China had leapfrogged the US in the research and development of some hypersonic weapon technologies, and that means a lot when it comes to researching the next generation of strategic weapons and, in a larger context, to national security.