China conducts land-based mid-course missile interception test  

中国在境内成功进行一次陆基反导技术试验

[Graphic: the Global Times]

(ECNS) -- Chinese military forces on Wednesday carried out a land-based mid-course missile interception test within its territory, the website of China's Defense Ministry said.

The experiment "achieved the desired objectives," it said, citing the information bureau of the ministry without giving details.

It is the third time that China has announced this kind of missile test. Similar anti-missile interception tests were successfully conducted on January 11, 2010 and January 27, 2013.

The successful tests show that China has reached a new stage in this technology, military analysts said, adding that the significance of the tests is no less than that of developing atomic and hydrogen bombs and man-made satellites.

The mid-course interception missile is comprised of a large booster rocket and interception warhead. The booster is like a carrier rocket, which sends the warhead into the atmosphere, while the warhead is the equivalent of a "small missile."

This missile is equipped with dynamic, tracking and target recognition systems. The dynamic system drives the warhead and locks on its target; the guidance system compiles its target data, especially infrared signatures. These systems track and identify the target, ultimately guiding the warhead to intercept an oncoming projectile.