A new documentary recently showcased on China’s state television has suggested that the world’s first operational hypersonic glide weapon could be ready for launch, according to a report. The DF-17 combines a ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). After launch, the glide vehicle separates from the rocket booster and travels through the atmosphere at speeds above Mach 5 while making course adjustments. China first showcased the DF-17 during the 2019 National Day military parade in Beijing, demonstrating its progress in hypersonic weapons development. Since then, the missile has attracted close attention from defense planners around the world, particularly in the United States and among its regional allies, who have accelerated their own hypersonic weapons and missile-defense programmes.