China has announced a major technological achievement, successfully completing tests of a hypersonic air-to-air missile with a range of 800 to 1000 kilometers. The weapon underwent a series of tests in extreme temperatures simulating the Martian atmosphere to confirm its resistance to the friction of flying at hypersonic speeds, state media reported. The breakthrough, experts say, could revolutionize air combat, cementing China’s position as a leader in advanced weapons development.

The new missile significantly outperforms existing analogues, including the Chinese PL-17 and PL-21 missiles with a range of up to 400 kilometers, as well as the Russian KS-172 and R-37M, which have similar performance. Compared to Western air-to-air missiles, such as the American AIM-120 AMRAAM, the Chinese development demonstrates a range four to five times greater. However, the key feature of the new product is not only the range, but also the integration with advanced reconnaissance and control systems, which allow it to effectively hit targets at such distances.

One of the main challenges of using missiles with a range of 800-1000 kilometers is the limited ability of modern radars to detect and identify targets at such distances, where the typical detection range is 150-400 kilometers. China is addressing this challenge by developing an integrated network of strategic drones such as the WZ-8. These drones, equipped with stealth technology, can fly to altitudes of up to 48 kilometers and conduct real-time reconnaissance by transmitting data via high-speed data links. This allows for precise missile guidance even at extreme ranges, creating a strategic advantage.

The missile and related technology tests highlight China’s ambitions to achieve air superiority. According to the South China Morning Post, published in March 2025, Beijing is investing heavily in hypersonic technology to gain a leg up on the United States and Russia. Unlike American radars, which use aging GaA technology, Chinese systems use advanced GaN MMICs, which offer greater power and sensitivity. According to Defense News, China began using GaN technology as early as 2008, while the United States has only recently begun integrating it into F-35 radars.

The role of drones in the new system is not limited to reconnaissance. According to the Global Times, the WZ-8 and other drones are capable of operating at altitudes inaccessible to most modern fighters, making them virtually invulnerable to traditional air defenses. This is confirmed by an incident in 2023, when the United States was forced to use an F-22 fighter to intercept a Chinese stratospheric balloon at an altitude of 18 kilometers - half the altitude of the Chinese drones.