Tests of a new medium- or intercontinental-range ballistic missile with an unusual flight trajectory were observed in northern China.
It was launched on Monday, September 29, at around 6 p.m. local time. In other words, Beijing deliberately ensured that the whole world could witness the test. The published videos show the missile rising, with the second stage igniting mid-flight to speed it up in the atmosphere.
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The flight of the missile was widely filmed. It is clear that this trajectory is highly unusual, more typical of a hypersonic glide vehicle with its own engine.
At present, it is not known what type of missile it was. It should be noted that China is actively producing new hypersonic missiles, with approximately ten models identified.
However, it is unlikely that Beijing will disclose anything at all.
This is clearly not the first test of this missile or this technology. On March 1, a video was published with a similar scenario. The launch occurred at night, and the observer filmed the missile passing directly overhead.
In the recent launch, the missile's trail appeared as follows after it crossed the sky:
All videos show that the missile does not maneuver and flies in a straight line. Therefore, it is possible that this effect is simply the result of atmospheric currents. It might also be a sign that, along with its exceptional speed, the missile is capable of intense maneuvering.
Earlier Defense Express reported that China had recently released the first clear photos of its sixth-generation J-50 fighter jet.
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