Is THAAD Already Obsolete?

trunews.com

As more U.S. allies in Asia and the Pacific region install the U.S.-developed Terminal High-Altitude Aerial Defense system in spite of its objections, China is quickly developing a weapon system that will make it obsolete.

According to The Diplomat, China has successfully tested its new DF-17 missile, which is equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle, twice. The first test occurred Nov. 1, the second two weeks later on Nov. 15.

The report states:

Parts of the U.S. intelligence community assess that the DF-17 is a medium-range system, with a range capability between 1,800 and 2,500 kilometers. The missile is expected to be capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional payloads and may be capable of being configured to deliver a maneuverable reentry vehicle instead of an HGV.

Most of the missile’s flight time during the November 1 flight test was powered by the HGV during the glide phase, the source said. The missile successfully made impact at a site in Xinjiang Province, outside Qiemo, “within meters” of the intended target, the source added.