China is further along in developing hypersonic weapons than previously expected. According to reports in The Diplomat on Dec. 28, China conducted two tests in November of a new ballistic missile, designated as the DF-17, which is equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle. U.S. sources said the missile tests were successful and that the DF-17 is expected to reach initial operational capability around 2020. Previous hypersonic glide vehicle tests, such as the Chinese DF-ZF and the U.S. Hypersonic Test Vehicle, focused on experimental designs and prototyping. The DF-17 is now the first missile slated for operational deployment to be equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle. A number of countries — particularly major military powers such as the United States, China and Russia — are investing in hypersonic missile technology.