The DF-17 is part of a class of weapons capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds – typically defined as at least Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound – making such systems exceptionally challenging for existing missile defence networks to track and intercept. 

Although the missile was first publicly unveiled during a major military parade in Beijing in October 2019, the recently aired footage marks the first publicly released video of an actual launch. 

The broadcast came just ahead of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Second Artillery Force, the predecessor to today’s PLA Rocket Force, which will be commemorated on July 1.

DF-17 expands China’s reach into the Pacific

With an estimated range of roughly 1,120 to 1,550 miles, the DF-17 is capable of striking targets across the strategically important first island chain and extending into parts of the second island chain. 

These island chains form a critical geographic barrier between the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and the open Pacific, making them central to regional power projection and a longstanding pillar of the US strategy to constrain China’s maritime expansion, the South China Morning Post reported.

According to Chinese state media, the units involved in the missile launch are trained to operate under demanding battlefield conditions, including severe electromagnetic interference and precision counterstrikes. CCTV added that high-intensity joint exercises involving multiple military branches have become standard practice for the PLA Rocket Force. 

Du Wenlong, a retired senior colonel and researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, said the footage highlighted the rocket force’s strong combat readiness, noting that the DF-17 launcher can remain operational in difficult terrain and despite a range of battlefield disruptions.

The broadcast also featured several newer missile systems, including the intermediate-range DF-26. While CCTV said the missile was fired during the exercise, it did not air launch footage. With a range of up to roughly 3,570 miles, the DF-26 is often referred to as the “Guam killer” because it can strike Guam, a strategically important US military hub in the Pacific.

Cold launch technique boosts DF-26 survivability and payload capacity 

Experts further noted that earlier footage of the DF-26 indicates that the PLA may be using a “cold launch” method, in which the missile’s main engine ignites only after it has been ejected into the air. This approach reduces stress on the launch vehicle, potentially extending its operational lifespan, while also allowing the missile to carry a heavier payload, since it does not need to overcome full engine thrust against gravity during the initial launch phase.

The footage also appeared to show multiple vehicles carrying DF-17 missiles moving into launch positions at the same time. According to Wenlong, this suggests the PLA may be training for coordinated, multi-missile launches. 

Such tactics are designed to improve strike effectiveness against targets while also increasing survivability by complicating an adversary’s ability to neutralize launch units during a counterattack.

Former PLA instructor Song Zhongping said the footage indicates that both the DF-17 and the DF-26 have likely been in service for some time, with the PLA Rocket Force conducting regular drills to validate their performance and reliability. He also noted that the exercises point to an improved ability to conduct launches from multiple locations without dependence on fixed sites, a factor he described as important for strengthening overall deterrence.

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