On September 30, a strange trajectory was captured in North China. Aerospace and defense analysts believe this was a test flight of a hypersonic missile, likely the Dongfeng-26D medium-range ballistic missile. However, based on the flight path, it may not have sent the warhead into space and then returned, but instead carried a hypersonic warhead that flew within the atmosphere. Therefore, its range might have expanded from 4,000 kilometers to 5,000 kilometers, allowing it to effectively cover Guam, Wake Island, and other important U.S. military bases on the second island chain from relatively safe inland areas.

The range of the Dongfeng-26D may reach 5,000 kilometers

From our perspective, achieving such technological progress in missile technology is a natural thing. Because the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival are approaching, people even didn't feel excited about this news. However, media in distant Arab regions and Europe have paid great attention to this experiment. The well-known Belgian website "Military Recognition" and the "Oriental" based in the UAE have reported the success of this test, and have given high evaluations of the potential role of the Dongfeng-26D in the future. "Oriental" specifically emphasized that the threat capability of the Dongfeng-26D directly challenges key U.S. assets.

The only ones who might be unhappy are European and American netizens. Once Arab countries import this missile, Israel will become a key target. In addition, Arab countries can also reduce their dependence on U.S. weapons.

This is also the reason why Arab media are so interested in this "Guam Express." Perhaps because since the end of the Gulf War, Arab countries have always lived under the influence of U.S. aircraft carriers. Although the United States has been fully trying to win over Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, this alliance is based on military force. Countries that do not comply with the U.S. will face strong strikes by aircraft carrier battle groups and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Iraq, Syria and Iran are living examples. If there were a weapon that could drive U.S. aircraft carrier battle groups out of thousands of miles away, the Arab world would surely change. Now, such a weapon is in the hands of China, so Arab countries naturally take a great interest in it.

The Dongfeng-26D is called the "Guam Killer"

As for whether Chinese missiles are reliable or not, it has already been proven on May 7th during the India-Pakistan air combat. The PL-15 flew 190 kilometers and shot down four French-made Rafale fighters. It should be noted that, in the perception of Arab countries, the excellent fighter jets available on the international market are either the F-35 or the Rafale. However, India's Rafales did not even see the front of the J-10CE before being shot down, which shows that Chinese missile technology is trustworthy. The military industry reflects a country's comprehensive national strength. If air-to-air missiles can achieve such a level, other types of missiles will also have the same level. If Arab countries can buy them, they won't have to fear U.S. aircraft carriers anymore?

Can the "magic weapon" of the Dongfeng-26D also be exported? This question seems to have an affirmative answer for Arab countries. Just next to the UAE, Saudi Arabia still deploys the Chinese export Dongfeng-3 ballistic missiles. There are reports that China has also exported retired Dongfeng-21 ballistic missiles to Saudi Arabia. Since these two models can be exported, why not the Dongfeng-26?

Dongfeng-3 on display in Saudi Arabia

Even if China cannot directly export, can Pakistan, which is developing missile technology along with China, deploy similar models in the Gulf region to protect the security of these oil-exporting countries? It should be noted that Pakistan has already equipped with the Chinese export CM-400 air-launched ballistic missile. This missile is equipped with a phased array radar and can accurately strike ground targets, as well as large ships at sea. On May 8th, during the India-Pakistan conflict, Pakistan deployed JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to launch the CM-400 missile, accurately destroying the Indian S-400 air defense radar system, which impressed people greatly. If similar missiles appear in the Gulf region, it would be easy to destroy Israel's anti-missile systems.

In addition to missile weapon systems, other equipment exported by China is also gaining increasing interest from Arab countries. The reason is the same. China is a major power with a complete military industry system. Many weapons that require multinational joint development in Europe and the Americas can be manufactured by China through internal supply chain cooperation. If China can provide advanced fighter jets and air-to-air missiles, it can certainly provide various other advanced weapons. After Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a military alliance treaty, the President of Pakistan has already visited Chengdu Aircraft Company to inspect the production lines of the J-10 and JF-17 fighter jets. This clearly indicates that he has received a check from Saudi Arabia and can proceed with further large-scale procurement.

CM-400AKG has strong penetration capability

As for the traditional military alliance of Arab countries, the United States, after the attack on Qatar, had its credibility severely damaged. The U.S. can abandon its alliance with Qatar for the sake of Israel, and it can also abandon its alliances with other countries. In this case, Sunni Arab countries not only have to consider facing Iran, a Shia power, but also have to consider the greater threat of Israel. In such a situation, introducing a completely uncontrolled Chinese equipment system that has reached the world's most advanced level almost becomes the only choice.

Therefore, in the coming years, we may see Chinese-made weapons and equipment becoming more popular in the Persian Gulf region, receiving more orders, and becoming a new business card for "Made in China."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559224069650514472/

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