2. China's DF-17 Hypersonic Glide Vehicle
Highlighting China's rapidly growing military prowess, the DF-17 stands as one of the most advanced operational hypersonic weapons. This medium-range ballistic missile system, equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), demonstrates remarkable precision and agility. Capable of reaching speeds between Mach 5 and Mach 10, the DF-17 excels in accuracy and trajectory adjustments during its terminal phase. Designed specifically for localized precision strikes, the system easily penetrates modern missile defenses. As a core component of China's anti-access/area denial strategy, the DF-17 has significantly bolstered China's military position in the Asia-Pacific region.