Could China make a sea-skimming hypersonic missile a real nightmare for the US?

China's pursuit of advanced weaponry may soon present a new challenge for the US Navy, with a research program focused on developing sea-skimming hypersonic missiles. These projectiles, designed to fly just above the ocean's surface at speeds exceeding Mach 5, could drastically reduce radar detection ranges and warning times. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has launched an ambitious initiative to explore the technologies required for such low-altitude hypersonic flight.

This research program, funded under CAS' Stable Support Programme for Basic Research Youth Teams, is led by the academy’s Institute of Mechanics. Collaborating institutions include the University of Science and Technology of China and the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering. These leading Chinese research bodies have a history of tackling complex scientific and engineering problems.

The potential military applications of this technology are significant. Beyond hypersonic cruise missiles, it could enable the development of high-speed uncrewed aircraft and other advanced strike systems. The ability to fly at low altitudes and penetrate sophisticated air-defense networks would offer a considerable tactical advantage. However, vehicles operating under these extreme conditions must withstand intense aerodynamic heating, severe drag, and complex shock-wave interactions, while their guidance systems must function amidst significant electromagnetic disturbances.