World on brink as China 'accidentally' unveil mysterious supersonic cruise missile – VIDEO

China have showcased a design unlike any other in the military’s arsenal in a shocking video which was quickly re-edited to emit the weapon, sparking speculation the weapon was unveiled accidentally. China’s military recently published a video containing a clip of what appeared to be the launch of a new type of supersonic cruise missile. The military later withdraw the film and replaced it with a version with that scene removed.

The original footage was released on social media by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force as part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Ballistic and cruise miles differ in a number of ways but the latter tend to fly at low altitude and slower speeds ultimately making them more vulnerable to defence systems.

The Chinese Rocket Force has made significant and noted progress in the development of glider vehicles for its ballistic missiles.

The Dongfeng-17 (DF- 17) is now capable of gliding in the outer atmosphere at upwards of five times the speed of sound, this, in turn, makes it more able to evade missile defence systems by enemies.

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One military expert who asked not to be identified explained the potential capabilities of the mystery missile.

He said: “The new missile would probably have a range of more than 1,000km (680 miles).

“Now that the DF-17’S glider technology is becoming more mature it could be used elsewhere.

“Other missiles, like this cruise missile in the video clip could also adopt similar vehicles to carry the warhead.

In 1949, the then Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong was guest of honour at a military parade to declare the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

This event saw more troops, an estimated 19,000, however, there was significantly less military hardware with just 17 aircraft taking party in a fly-by.

It was rumoured that up to nine of the 17 aircraft did two laps to make the air force appear bigger than it actually was.

source: express.co.uk