By Open Chronicle with agencies
Chinese state media has publicly displayed footage of the launch of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force’s DF-17 hypersonic missile for the first time, offering a rare glimpse into one of China’s most advanced strategic weapons systems.
The footage, broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV), also appeared to reveal a previously unseen missile variant that military analysts believe could represent an upgraded version of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile.
The release comes as Beijing continues to modernize its missile forces and expand the operational capabilities of the PLA Rocket Force, a key component of China’s military deterrence strategy.
INSANE FOOTAGE: China's DF-17 hypersonic missile rises into launch position. One of the world's most closely watched weapons systems. 👀🔥🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/xs6u6F0OGH
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) June 20, 2026
Large-Scale Joint Military Exercise
According to CCTV, the missile launches were part of a joint military exercise conducted in the northwestern Gobi Desert involving Rocket Force, Army, and Air Force units.
The drill simulated multiple waves of strikes under complex battlefield conditions, including electromagnetic interference, precision-attack threats, and rapidly changing combat scenarios.
Chinese military officials said missile units remained on combat patrol throughout the exercise and demonstrated the ability to switch quickly between operational modes in response to changing battlefield requirements.
The exercise highlighted growing emphasis on realistic combat training, joint-force operations, and integration across multiple military branches.
China test-fired intercontinental ballistic missiles for the first time in 44 years.#ICBM #ChinaMilitary #PLA #RocketForce pic.twitter.com/MOyA72cese
— ShanghaiEye🚀official (@ShanghaiEye) June 20, 2026
Focus on Mobility and Rapid Deployment
CCTV reported that the latest generation of missile systems incorporates higher levels of automation, increased mobility, improved strike precision, and stronger capabilities to operate in all weather conditions.
Officials said upgrades have shortened command chains and reduced the time required to generate combat power, allowing launch units to deploy from a wider range of locations rather than relying on fixed launch sites.
The changes are designed to make missile operations more flexible and less predictable, enhancing survivability during potential conflicts.
First Public Launch Footage of DF-17
Military commentator Du Wenlong described the broadcast as the first public display of the DF-17 in an active launch configuration.
The DF-17 is widely regarded as one of China’s most advanced hypersonic weapons. It features a hypersonic glide vehicle with a distinctive waverider aerodynamic design, enabling high-speed maneuverability and making interception more difficult for missile defense systems.
Although the missile had previously appeared during military parades in Beijing in 2019 and 2025, launch footage had never before been released publicly.
Du said the exercise demonstrated the Rocket Force’s ability to conduct operations across difficult terrain and under challenging combat conditions.
“The ability to launch missiles on schedule and conduct effective strikes despite interference is a key benchmark of combat capability,” he said.
Possible New DF-26 Variant Revealed
Separate footage aired by CCTV’s military channel appeared to show a missile mounted on a transporter erector launcher similar to the DF-17 platform but featuring a previously unseen bicone aerodynamic design.
According to Du, the missile could represent the latest upgraded version of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile.
The analyst noted that both the DF-17 and the suspected DF-26 variant appeared equipped with small control fins near the warhead section.
These fins can help slow the missile during its terminal phase while enabling significant course corrections and maneuverability. Such capabilities enhance effectiveness against moving targets and improve the ability to penetrate advanced air and missile defense systems.
Expanding Missile Arsenal
CCTV said China’s missile forces have undergone a major transformation over the past six decades, evolving from a limited capability into a comprehensive force equipped with both conventional and nuclear strike options.
The report highlighted the growing role of the Dongfeng missile family, including the DF-17, DF-26, DF-31, and DF-61 systems, all of which have become regular features of training exercises and operational deployments.
The latest footage reflects Beijing’s continued efforts to showcase military modernization and reinforce the readiness of the PLA Rocket Force amid an increasingly competitive security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
The public display of the DF-17 launch represents one of the clearest signals yet of China’s confidence in its advanced missile capabilities and its determination to integrate those systems into increasingly sophisticated battlefield operations.