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DF-17 Hypersonic Missile

DF-17 Hypersonic Missile

Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Inertial Navigation + Beidou Satellite Guidance
Maximum Speed Mach 5–10
Launch Compatibility Road-Mobile Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL)
Warhead Technology Conventional or Nuclear-capable Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	DF-17 (Dong Feng-17)
Type / Role	Medium-Range Ballistic Missile with Hypersonic Glide Vehicle
Country of Origin	China
Manufacturer	China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2019
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	1,800–2,500 km
Speed	Mach 5–10
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	60–100 km (Glide Phase)
Accuracy (CEP)	<10 m (estimated)
Warhead Type	Conventional / Nuclear-capable

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Inertial + Satellite (Beidou)
Targeting Mode	Autonomous Glide Guidance
Launch Platform Compatibility	Road-Mobile TEL
Seeker Type	Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (Non-Radar Seeker)

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	~11 m
Diameter	1.2 m
Wingspan	N/A (Glide Body)
Launch Weight	~15,000 kg
Propulsion	Two-stage Solid Rocket Booster

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	500–1,000 kg
Explosive Type	High-Explosive / Nuclear
Detonation Mechanism	Impact or Proximity Fuse
Payload Options	Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Medium
Deployment Platform	Ground-based TEL
Target Types	Strategic Infrastructure, Ships, Airbases
Combat Proven	No (Tested, Not Combat-used)
Users / Operators	China

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Hypersonic speed (Mach 5+) enables rapid strike capability
High maneuverability reduces interception risk
Precision targeting for both nuclear and conventional missions
Solid-fuel system allows quick launch and mobility
Strengthens regional deterrence and strategic depth

CONS

Extremely high production and maintenance costs
Limited global operational experience
Dependence on advanced satellite guidance
Potential arms race escalation in the Indo-Pacific
Vulnerability during launch phase to pre-emptive strikes

DF-17 Hypersonic Glide Missile: A New Era of Precision Strike

The DF-17 (Dong Feng-17) represents one of China’s most significant advancements in next-generation missile technology. Designed and developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), this medium-range hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) system combines speed, accuracy, and survivability to enhance the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force’s (PLARF) strategic strike capabilities.

First unveiled during the 2019 National Day Parade in Beijing, the DF-17’s primary mission is to penetrate advanced missile defense systems and deliver conventional or nuclear payloads with high precision. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, it carries a hypersonic glide vehicle that detaches from its booster after launch, flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5 while performing unpredictable maneuvers that make interception extremely difficult.

The DF-17 reportedly has an effective range of 1,800–2,500 kilometers, allowing it to target key regional assets, including aircraft carriers, airbases, and radar installations. Its glide vehicle employs aerodynamic lift and controlled re-entry flight, maintaining a lower and less predictable trajectory compared to conventional ballistic systems.

The missile uses solid-fuel propulsion and advanced inertial and satellite guidance systems, ensuring fast launch readiness and improved accuracy, with an estimated circular error probable (CEP) of under 10 meters. While China has not disclosed the DF-17’s operational deployment in detail, analysts suggest it is now fully operational within multiple PLARF brigades, strengthening China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy across the Indo-Pacific region.

DF-17 Hypersonic Missile Price in United States

While the DF-17 is not available for export, defense analysts estimate its development and unit cost would likely range between $10–15 million per missile based on comparable hypersonic systems. For context, U.S. hypersonic programs such as ARRW and CPS share similar cost brackets due to advanced materials, guidance, and propulsion systems.

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