China has been armed with a missile capable of hitting part of US military bases since 2019 – media

The People’s Liberation Army of China has been armed with the DF-27 missile, capable of hitting all major US bases in the Asia-Pacific region for over four years. This was reported by the South China Morning Post, citing a source who asked to remain anonymous.

An unnamed military official told reporters that details of this ballistic missile have not been officially disclosed, but its predecessor, the DF-17, was the center of attention at a military parade in Beijing. The media noted that the DF-27 is one of the most advanced hypersonic missiles.

“The DF-27 was in service with the missile forces until 2019, but the PLA did not want to reveal such a ‘trump card’ so early,” the source said.

According to him, the DF-27 has a range of 1,800 kilometers and can carry multiple warheads. Citing a Pentagon report, the article states that in 2021 it is referred to as a 5,000 to 8,000 kilometer range missile, sufficient to hit Hawaii from mainland China.

The media wrote that, citing previously released US intelligence documents, the PLA successfully tested the missile on February 25 and concluded that it “could enter US missile defense systems”.

According to journalists, the PLA sees the DF-27 as part of a “deterrence strategy” and does not plan to target it at US states, but instead sends it to key bases in Japan and the island of Guam.

The article also states that the Americans have been aware of China’s plans to develop such a missile for several years, and have updated the air defense on the island, adding THAAD systems, and also allocate another $ 1.5 billion to strengthen the defense in 2024.

Recall that earlier in the media, citing US intelligence, it was reported that the DF-27 could attack not only ground targets, but also ships.

US Director of National Intelligence Avril Gaines said that China is considering taking Taiwan by force.