In this undated file photo, an HQ-17AE air-defense missile is fired during a test. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
SHANGHAI – China has carried out a land-based missile interception test that "achieved its expected purpose", the Defense Ministry said, describing it as defensive and not aimed at any country.
China has been ramping up research into missiles as part of a modernization program and Beijing has tested missile interceptors before. The most recent previous public announcement of a test was in February 2021, and before that in 2018.
China has been ramping up research into missiles as part of a modernization program and Beijing has tested missile interceptors before
The ministry said in a brief statement late on Sunday that the "ground-based midcourse anti-missile intercept technology" test had been carried out that night.
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"The test reached its expected goals," the ministry said. "This test was defensive and not aimed at any country."
It provided no other details. In 2016, the Defense Ministry confirmed it was pressing ahead with anti-missile system tests. Beijing said such technology is needed for national defense and security.
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