China Surpasses U.S. In Hypersonic Missile Technology
Beijing has overtaken the United States in the development of practical scramjet propulsion systems with the unveiling of the long-range CJ-1000 hypersonic missile, according to a recent analysis from a mainland military magazine.
The CJ-1000, showcased alongside the ship-launched YJ-19 during the Victory Day military parade in Beijing last September, is reportedly the world’s first operational land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile. Russia’s ship-based 3M22 “Zircon” is the only other operational scramjet-driven hypersonic missile currently known.
Scramjet engines represent a more technologically advanced, though challenging, path for hypersonic missile development compared to glider vehicles like China’s DF-17 and Russia’s Avangard, the Shipborne Weapons magazine analysis stated. “The emergence of the CJ-1000 missile marks China’s transition from closely following to taking a leading position in the most advanced aerospace domains,” the article asserted.
The key advantage of the scramjet-powered missiles lies in their flight altitude. The CJ-1000 and YJ-19 cruise at altitudes of 20 to 30 kilometers (12.4 to 18.6 miles), significantly lower than the 60 to 80 kilometer altitude of glider vehicles. This lower flight path makes them more difficult for enemy air defense radar to detect and intercept.
The CJ-1000 is a hypersonic cruise missile designed for long-range precision strikes, and is likely based on the earlier CJ-10 missile. Chinese state media has indicated the missile is capable of engaging targets on the ground, at sea, and in the air, potentially including slow-moving, high-altitude aircraft such as aerial refuelers and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
The missile was first observed during preparations for the 2025 China Victory Day Parade in August 2025. Its unveiling at the parade signaled Beijing’s growing push to field next-generation precision weapons.
Experts suggest that traditional air defense systems, such as the U.S. Patriot, Aegis, and THAAD, were primarily designed to counter ballistic missiles, not hypersonic glide vehicles or scramjet-powered cruise missiles. The introduction of the CJ-1000, not only expands China’s arsenal but also accelerates the global arms race in missile technology.
With an estimated range of up to 6,000 kilometers, the CJ-1000 is capable of reaching strategic targets deep within an adversary’s territory. The missile’s maneuverability, a characteristic of hypersonic cruise missiles, further complicates interception efforts, as it can change course mid-flight, unlike the predictable trajectory of ballistic missiles.
The CJ-1000 is currently operated by the China People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force.
