How China overtook the US in hypersonic arms and may leave air defences ‘powerless’

Why in news

China has reportedly surpassed the US in hypersonic weapons development with the introduction of the land-based scramjet-powered CJ-1000 missile.

Background

The CJ-1000 is a land-based scramjet-powered missile capable of low-altitude flight and a range of at least 2,500km. It is noted for superior maneuverability and precision compared to glider-based missiles like the DF-17 and Avangard.

Facts for Prelims

• S&TCJ-1000: A land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile developed by China
• FactCJ-1000 range: At least 2,500km
• S&TScramjet technology: Enables low-altitude flight to evade air defense detection
• S&TDF-17 and Avangard: Examples of glider-based hypersonic missiles

For Mains

Q. Discuss how the advancement in hypersonic weapons and scramjet technology is reshaping global strategic stability and conventional air defense paradigms.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Technological asymmetry: Scramjet-powered maneuverability vs. traditional radar-based interception
• Strategic instability: Reduced reaction times for air defenses creating 'powerless' scenarios
• R&D dynamics: Impact of state-led investment on rapid hypersonic weapon deployment

Keywords: Strategic Stability · Hypersonic Weapons · Scramjet Technology · Technological Asymmetry · Air Defense Systems

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