Information about China continuing to test hypersonic weapons
(Baonghean.vn) - The Financial Times (FT) quoted informed sources on October 21 saying that China conducted two hypersonic weapon tests this summer, contrary to previous information.
Last week, the FT reported that China had tested a hypersonic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead in August, but that the missile missed its target, adding that US intelligence was caught off guard by the test. The Chinese government denied the report, calling the test a routine spacecraft test, while the US government declined to comment on the matter.
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| Photo believed to be China testing hypersonic weapons. Photo: AP |
According to the latest information cited by four sources familiar with the matter, the first test was conducted on July 27, not August, and involved a "segmented orbital bombardment" system to launch a "hypersonic vehicle" capable of carrying a nuclear warhead around the planet.
Meanwhile, three other sources said the test caught Washington by surprise, forcing the US to adjust its assessment of China’s weapons capabilities. The second test was said to have been conducted on August 13, but the FT did not provide details on the type of weapon used./.