The Arrival of the B-21 Bomber Killer: A New Era in Aerial Warfare Begins

China claims to be developing a hypersonic air-to-air missile with a record-breaking range of 800 to 1,000 kilometers. According to military experts, such a weapon could revolutionize the concept of aerial combat and present a serious challenge to the air superiority of the United States and its allies.

According to Khabar Online, the missile is currently in the final stages of testing and has been trialed in simulated high-speed flight scenarios, including ascending to the edge of the atmosphere and returning to strike a target. Experts state that, once operational, the missile would enable Chinese jets to hit any flying target in Taiwan or even parts of Japan without exiting China's airspace.

Four Times the Range of Western Missiles

This astonishing range is nearly five times that of the European-made Meteor missile and more than double that of advanced American missiles such as the AIM-174B or the Russian R-37M, both of which have ranges around 400 kilometers. While China already possesses the PL-17 missile with a similar range, the new weapon could significantly alter the balance of aerial power in the Asia-Pacific region.

A Direct Threat to the F-22, B-21, and Early Warning Aircraft

The South China Morning Post reported: “In simulated exercises, this hypersonic missile ascended at high speed into the upper atmosphere and then struck a low-altitude target. None of the American aircraft, including the F-22 or the next-generation B-21 bomber, are capable of evading such speeds.”

Given that most combat radars have a range of less than 400 kilometers, it is believed that China would rely on stealthy, high-altitude drones to detect targets at such extended distances. These drones would be capable of conducting reconnaissance operations over vast areas.

Is China's Game Real or Just Propaganda?

Some analysts have cautioned against China’s tendency to exaggerate its military capabilities. However, if the country’s claims regarding the range, speed, and accuracy of this missile prove to be true, not only the United States but also Russia could face serious challenges in the future of aerial warfare.

Patricia Marins, a prominent defense analyst, commented on the news, saying: “This missile could completely change the equations of air combat. Its range not only surpasses Russian systems like the R-37M and K-100 but is also several times that of Western models.”