China Confirms Development of Hypersonic Air-to-Air Missile

CNChina|

China has reportedly validated the existence of a hypersonic air-to-air missile following successful heat-resistance tests conducted at its Mars Mission tunnel facility. According to a peer-reviewed paper published in Equipment Environmental Engineering, the missile withstood temperatures exceeding 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit.

These tests simulated the extreme conditions expected during hypersonic flight, with performance benchmarks set by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The Mars Mission tunnel is described as an arc-heated wind tunnel capable of creating severe thermal environments, essential for evaluating cutting-edge aerospace technologies.

Historically, China has focused on developing hypersonic missiles primarily aimed at ground and naval targets, with some missiles known to achieve speeds of Mach 5. However, this new development could pose a significant threat to enemy aircraft, specifically faster-moving fighters and stealth-capable systems.

Experts believe that if the missile could operate at speeds around Mach 9, it would be capable of overwhelming existing missile defense systems due to its limited engagement window. For U.S. aircraft, such as the B-21 bomber, this represents a pressing concern, as pilots may have mere seconds to execute evasive maneuvers when facing such rapid threats.

The research underscores the fast-paced advancements in military technology, suggesting a shift in China's military capabilities and potential impacts on global air superiority dynamics.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from China

China Escalates Trade Tensions with 84% Tariffs on US Goods

China announced on April 9, 2025, that it will impose an 84% tariff on all imported goods from the United States, a significant increase from the previous 34% rate. The new tariffs will go into effect at 12:01 am on April 10, in response to US President Donald Trump's recently announced 104% tariffs on Chinese goods. Officials from China’s Customs Tariff Commission described the measures as necessary to protect the nation's interests amid escalating trade tensions. In a news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the US's approach, urging the Biden administration to return to dialogue and cooperation rather than employing "bullying" tactics. Furthermore, China added six US entities, including cybersecurity firms, to its “unreliable entity list,” a move the Ministry of Commerce stated was taken with caution to safeguard national security. Additionally, China has filed a lawsuit against the US with the World Trade Organization, claiming the tariffs violate international trade rules. This trade dispute marks the sharpest escalation since previous tariffs began, exacerbating economic strains between the two nations.
CNChina

Tragic Nursing Home Fire Claims 20 Lives in Northern China

A fire at a nursing home in Chengde, Hebei province, has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, according to state news agency Xinhua. The fire erupted around 9 PM on Tuesday, and the remaining residents have since been transferred to a nearby hospital for medical care. The exact number of people evacuated has not been disclosed. Authorities have dispatched experts to the site to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the blaze. This recent tragedy follows a similar incident in January, when a fire at a food market in Zhangjiakou, also located in Hebei, resulted in eight fatalities and left 15 others injured. These events have raised concerns regarding fire safety in public facilities across the region. The government and local officials have been under pressure to ensure adequate safety measures are in place to prevent such disasters in the future, especially in facilities housing vulnerable populations.
CNChina

Nurses Heroically Shield Newborns During China Earthquake Aftershock

Nurses at Jingcheng Hospital in Yunnan, China, were filmed protecting newborn babies during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that originated in Myanmar on March 29, 2025. As tremors shook the building, two nurses can be seen desperately trying to stabilize cribs to prevent them from rolling away, demonstrating remarkable bravery in a chaotic situation. The earthquake has tragically claimed over 1,000 lives in Myanmar, with many injuries reported. Official sources indicated that Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, experienced the highest number of casualties, particularly in regions closest to the epicenter. The disaster has resulted in significant structural damage, with buildings collapsing and crucial infrastructure, including bridges, being destroyed. Social media users expressed their admiration for the nurses’ quick responses, calling them "heroes" amidst the fear and uncertainty. Rescue workers continue to search for survivors in both Myanmar and Thailand, where a 30-story skyscraper has also collapsed, causing further challenges in recovery efforts.
CNChina
All China News ->