Ballistic Missile
DF-17
DF-17 is a Chinese road-mobile medium-range ballistic missile carrying the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle, reportedly in PLA Rocket Force service since 2020. It is the first operational glide-vehicle missile deployed by a major power, with a commonly cited range of 1,800–2,500 km.
China|China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)What Is the DF-17? Overview, History and Development
The DF-17 was developed by CASIC, with test flights since 2014 (designated WU-14 by the US) and a first public display at the Beijing parade on 1 October 2019. It entered PLA Rocket Force service reportedly in 2020, though China has published no official date. The missile is about 11 m long and 1 m in diameter, with a mass near 15 tonnes (estimates), and carries either a conventional or a nuclear payload.
The glide vehicle is estimated at Mach 5–10 and manoeuvres in the atmosphere, complicating tracking by missile defences such as Aegis and THAAD. The missile is launched from a transporter erector launcher by brigades facing Taiwan and the Western Pacific. The US DoD’s China Military Power Report is cited for an unconfirmed estimate of 100–250 missiles. Unit cost is undisclosed. Comparisons include the Russian Avangard, the US Dark Eagle, the DF-21D and the DF-26.
DF-17 Specifications: Range, Speed, Warhead and Guidance
DF-17 Variants and Versions Compared
DF-17 is the road-mobile missile that carries the DF-ZF glide vehicle in PLA Rocket Force service.
DF-ZF is the hypersonic glide vehicle itself, which separates from the booster and manoeuvres to its target.
DF-27 is a longer-range hypersonic-capable missile reported to follow the DF-17, with limited public detail.
Which Countries Use the DF-17? Operators and Users
ChinaDF-17 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How fast is the DF-17 missile?
The DF-17’s glide vehicle is estimated at Mach 5–10. As a hypersonic glider that manoeuvres in the atmosphere, it flies faster than Mach 5, although China has published no official figures.
What is the range of the DF-17?
The DF-17 has a commonly cited range of 1,800–2,500 km, based on US DoD estimates. The glide vehicle can extend reach somewhat, but China has not confirmed an official figure.
Is the DF-17 nuclear capable?
Yes, the DF-17 is reported to be dual-capable, meaning it can carry a conventional or a nuclear payload. China has not officially confirmed its warhead options, so this relies on Western analysis.
How many DF-17 missiles does China have?
China is estimated to have about 100–250 DF-17 missiles in service, although this figure is unconfirmed. It comes from the US DoD’s China Military Power Report, and Beijing publishes no inventory data.
DF-17 vs Avangard: which is better?
The DF-17 is a medium-range missile of 1,800–2,500 km, while Russia’s Avangard rides an ICBM and has a far longer reach. Both use glide vehicles, but no public test directly compares them.
Can the DF-17 beat missile defence?
The DF-17 is designed to defeat US missile defences such as Aegis and THAAD, because its glide vehicle manoeuvres in the atmosphere. Its true success rate against such systems is untested publicly.
