When the Chinese mainland held its Victory Day parade in early September, it spotlighted a new generation of hypersonic weapons that are drawing global attention. At the heart of the display was an anti-ship missile formation featuring the YJ-15 alongside hypersonic variants YJ-19, YJ-17 and YJ-20.
Multi-Platform, High-Speed Strike
These four missile types can launch from shipborne aircraft, surface vessels and submarines. Armed with long range, extreme speed and powerful warheads, they represent cutting-edge tools for reaching hostile naval targets across vast sea distances.
Aerodynamic Innovation: Waverider Shapes
Modern hypersonic weapons often use waverider designs or biconic-shaped bodies to master airflow at incredible speeds. A waverider features a streamlined, flat front end that, when flying faster than sound, pushes air into an invisible "wall" or shock wave. The missile then skims over this shock wave—much like a stone skipping across a pond—to generate lift and reduce drag.
Global Implications
As the race for hypersonic capability intensifies, defense strategists worldwide are analyzing these designs for insights into next-generation naval deterrence. Whether deployed for power projection or as a deterrent, the YJ series underscores a broader trend: aerodynamic innovation is reshaping the future of maritime security.
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A look at the designs of China's newly-unveiled hypersonic missiles
cgtn.com
