China unveils new extremely cheap ‘cement-coated’ missile
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China has unveiled a new hypersonic missile, the YKJ-1000, with a range of 1,300 kilometres, produced by aerospace firm Lingkong Tianxing.
Nicknamed the “cement-coated” missile, it utilises materials such as foamed concrete in its heat-resistant coating.
The YKJ-1000 is reportedly priced at 700,000 yuan (£74,100), making it significantly cheaper than comparable US missiles, which cost millions.
Military commentator Wei Dongxu stated its ”dirt cheap price” could make it highly competitive and popular among smaller nations on the international defence market.
Experts suggest the missile's affordability demonstrates China's capability to mass-produce advanced weaponry at a low cost, potentially allowing smaller nations to challenge larger powers.