China showcased its latest hypersonic missile arsenal at this year's Victory Day parade in September 2025, revealing cutting-edge designs that blend physics with futuristic engineering. The YJ-19, YJ-17, and YJ-20 missiles – capable of being launched from ships, submarines, and aircraft – are redefining maritime defense strategies with speeds exceeding Mach 5!
🌊 How Do They Work? Think 'Stone Skipping'
These missiles use two revolutionary designs: waveriders (flat-nosed shapes that 'surf' on shockwaves like a stone skimming water) and biconic configurations (cone-shaped bodies for precision control). At hypersonic speeds, they create an invisible 'air wall' that literally lifts them through the atmosphere!
🔍 Why It Matters
With ranges stretching hundreds of kilometers and destructive power to challenge naval fleets, these weapons represent the Chinese mainland's latest step in modernizing its defense capabilities. Analysts note their multi-platform deployment could reshape Asia-Pacific security dynamics.
