Military Watch calls Chinese hypersonic UAV bad news for US Navy
Long-range supersonic ICBMs have been allegedly in service with the PLA since 2017. Although the carrier can deliver nuclear warheads further, faster, in large quantities and with greater reliability than its predecessors, it nonetheless represents the development of a traditional nuclear triad.
In turn, the WZ-8 represents a new step in the development of tactical weapons and, in the future, can multiply China's military power. The magazine writes that it is not known whether such a system was ever in service anywhere in the world. It is only known that at present the United States has its own program to develop a similar drone within the framework of the SR-72 project.
Looks like a MiG-25
Military Watch emphasizes that the WZ-8 is “very similar to the American Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and Lockheed A-12 (high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft), as well as the Soviet high-altitude interceptor MiG-25”, designed for flights at extreme speeds and altitudes and is capable of completing both reconnaissance and strike missions. He, according to the publication, is “bad news for the United States Navy. "
Reportedly, the WZ-8 PLA, already deployed in the Air Force, combined with China’s significant satellite resources, provides Beijing with a reliable intelligence and guidance system. It is believed that a promising drone can both barrage and move at speeds from 6 to 7 sound, which means that it is almost impossible to shoot down with conventional means - even without factors such as electronic warfare.
WZ-8 gives the PLA the ability to accurately target heavy missiles even if the satellite constellation of China becomes disabled. Which means the opportunity to strike at US carrier groups. Although the WZ-8 is not, by and large, a percussion device, it can greatly contribute to reducing the survivability of the American fleet in the region and greatly complicates operations for the US Navy in East Asia.
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