China's Missile List in Case of Israel vs Iran War

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - After 12 days of fierce clashes, Israel and Iran have finally halted hostilities temporarily. United States President Donald Trump, who announced a total and comprehensive ceasefire on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, stated that both parties agreed to stop direct military attacks.

The conflict that erupted on June 13 originated from Israel's attack on several nuclear and military facilities in Iran. This attack targeted vital infrastructure such as the heavy water reactor in Arak, uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz and Fordow, as well as research laboratories in Isfahan. Several key Iranian figures in the security, intelligence, military, and nuclear fields were reportedly killed.

In retaliation, Tehran, which denied developing nuclear weapons, launched ballistic missiles at several cities in Israel. Tensions escalated further when the United States entered the conflict and bombarded three nuclear facilities in Iran on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The US attack on Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan drew international condemnation, including from China.

Through the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, China "strongly condemned the United States military attack on three nuclear facilities in Iran in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan." In its statement, China referred to the action as "violating international law and the UN Charter, and worsening regional tensions."

China's statement raised the question: will China engage its military power if the conflict reignites? If yes, then China's hypersonic missile capabilities are worth considering.

List of Chinese Hypersonic Missiles

China is said to have the most advanced hypersonic weapon program in the world, the result of massive investment over the past two decades in the research, development, and testing of high-speed weapon systems. Hypersonic missiles - which can fly at more than five times the speed of sound and maneuver in flight - provide significant strategic advantages as they are very difficult to track and intercept by conventional air defense systems.

This advantage has put the United States and its allies on alert, given that China now has several active hypersonic missile models whose capabilities have been proven in various tests. Here are some hypersonic missiles owned by China, quoted from the National Security Journal:

DF-17 (Dongfeng-17)

The DF-17 is China's most advanced hypersonic missile with a range of about 1,600-2,400 kilometers and speeds of MACH 5 to MACH 10. First tested in 2014 and officially deployed in 2020, the DF-17 uses a mobile launcher that facilitates relocation. The missile uses solid fuel for quick launch and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. Its potential as an anti-ship missile poses a serious threat to the US naval power.

DF-41

Military vehicle carrying the intercontinental ballistic missile DF-41 passing Tiananmen Square during a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, on National Day in Beijing, China October 1, 2019. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

The DF-41 is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying hypersonic vehicles and nuclear warheads. In 2021, the hypersonic vehicle of DF-41 successfully circumvented the Earth in a test, sparking concerns from US intelligence. The weapon is believed to have been tested at China's main research facilities and is a crucial part of the country's nuclear ambitions targeting to have 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030.

DF-27

The DF-27 is a long-range hypersonic missile with a range of up to 8,000 kilometers and the ability to correct trajectory and precision guidance. First revealed by the US Department of Defense in 2021, this missile can be used with ICBMs or IRBMs and potentially attack targets in Japan, Guam, South Korea, and even Hawaii. With high speed and precision, DF-27 is also expected to be difficult to detect and intercept.

Starry Sky-2 (Xingkong-2)

The Starry Sky-2 is China's first tested hypersonic cruise missile in 2018 and uses a waverider design, which utilizes shockwaves for lift and maneuvering. The missile is launched by a multi-stage rocket and autonomously re-enters the atmosphere, reaching speeds of approximately MACH 6. Its unique design and cruise capabilities make it difficult to track and potentially develop as a new generation of anti-ship missiles.

Ida Rosdalina and Myesha Fatina contributed to this article.

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