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AllAfrica
07-07-2025
- Politics
- AllAfrica
China's nuclear triad still a one-legged giant
China's rare DF-5 missile disclosure signals growing confidence in its land-based nuclear might – but beneath the display lies a triad still plagued by imbalance and vulnerability. Last month, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that China has publicly disclosed key specifications of its DF-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time, marking a rare glimpse into the country's traditionally secretive nuclear program. In a broadcast, state media CCTV described the DF-5 as China's first-generation strategic intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), capable of carrying a single nuclear warhead with an explosive yield of 3 to 4 megatons, approximately 200 times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The two-stage missile, developed in the 1970s and commissioned in 1981, has a maximum range of 12,000 kilometers and an accuracy of 500 meters, enabling it to strike targets across the continental United States and Western Europe. It measures 32.6 meters long, 3.35 meters in diameter, and weighs 183 tons at launch. Former PLA instructor Song Zhongping said the DF-5 was instrumental in establishing China's nuclear credibility. He saw the disclosure as a signal that more advanced, silo-based systems may soon be introduced as China phases out older platforms. The move comes amid China's broader modernization of its arsenal, including multiple-warhead variants of the DF-5 and mobile systems. China maintains a no-first-use nuclear policy despite the rapid expansion of its deterrent. SCMP has also noted that China's DF-31 and DF-41 ICBMs mark successive stages in the country's strategic deterrence evolution. The DF-31, first deployed in 2006, is a three-stage solid-fuel missile with variants—DF-31A and DF-31AG—capable of striking targets up to 13,200 kilometers away and delivering up to four warheads via multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). The DF-31AG is road-mobile and off-road capable, enhancing survivability through terrain flexibility. In contrast, the DF-41, unveiled in 2019, is a fourth-generation, solid-fuel ICBM with a range of 12,000 – 15,000 kilometers and can carry up to 10 MIRVs, although experts estimate a typical load of three warheads plus decoys. With road-mobile, rail-mobile, and silo-based variants, the DF-41 represents a leap in mobility, payload, and launch survivability. Both systems underscore China's shift toward a more flexible and survivable nuclear deterrent, with the DF-41 eclipsing its predecessors in range, speed (up to Mach 25), and strategic versatility. Despite rapid modernization, China's nuclear triad remains unbalanced, with significant capability gaps in its sea and air-based legs. This situation forces China to rely on a nuclear strategy founded on shaping perceptions to sustain its no-first-use and assured retaliation posture amid intensifying great power competition. Citing a March 2025 report by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) notes that China's land-based arsenal remains the cornerstone of its nuclear deterrent, as its nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) leg has far less significant capability, and that its air-based leg, still in early stages of development, is far less capable than its US counterpart. Exploring the limitations of China's sea-based nuclear deterrent, David Logan notes in a November 2023 China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) report that China's efforts to build a sea-based nuclear deterrent remain constrained by significant operational and technical limitations. He adds that although China has six Type 094 ship submersible ballistic nuclear submarines, the PLA Navy's subs are reportedly noisier than Cold War-era Soviet models, raising doubts about their survivability against advanced US anti-submarine warfare capabilities. He explains that communication vulnerabilities further compound risks, as US surveillance networks across the Pacific can likely detect Chinese submarine transmissions. He states that the JL-2 missiles carried by earlier SSBNs cannot reach the US mainland from Chinese waters, while newer JL-3 missiles offer more extended range but are not yet widely deployed. He mentions that geographic chokepoints and detection risks also challenge open-ocean patrols, while a bastion strategy near Chinese coasts limits strategic flexibility. As for China's air-based nuclear arsenal, Aita Moriki mentions in a March 2024 National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) report that China's efforts to establish a credible air-based nuclear deterrent remain constrained by legacy platforms and technical delays. Aita argues that while the People's Liberation Army Air Force has resumed a nuclear role with the H-6N bomber, its limited range and reliance on aerial refueling restrict its ability to strike the US mainland. He adds that the upcoming H-20 stealth bomber, intended to correct this imbalance, may be delayed to the 2030s according to US assessments, amid skepticism over China's ability to master the necessary technologies. He expresses skepticism about whether the H-20, even if unveiled soon, will match the capabilities of US counterparts or meaningfully rebalance China's historically missile-centric nuclear triad. But what do these capability gaps mean for China's nuclear strategy? Hongyu Zhang mentions in an article published this month in the peer-reviewed Chinese Journal of International Politics that China may be using a stopgap 'manufactured deterrence' nuclear strategy. Despite China's stated 'assured retaliation' and 'no-first-use' policies, Zhang argues that significant second-strike capability gaps force it to pursue opaqueness and ambiguity to create uncertainty in adversary counterforce planning, thereby producing deterrent power. In the context of great power competition, Zhang says China is increasing the size of its nuclear arsenal to bridge the gap between assured retaliation and its stopgap manufactured deterrence strategy. Adding credence to Zhang's views, Hans Kristensen and Matt Korda state in a June 2025 report for the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) that China's nuclear arsenal totaled at least 600 warheads in January 2025, expanding faster than any other nation. They add that since 2023, China has added approximately 100 warheads annually and completed 350 new ICBM silos. However, they point out that while this growth positions China to potentially match Russia or the US in silo count by 2030, its projected 1,500 warheads by 2035 still fall short of US and Russian stockpiles. The DF-5 disclosure reflects confidence in China's land-based deterrent, but enduring gaps in its sea and air legs reveal a triad still built more on opacity than capability, laying bare the strategic tension between China's assured retaliation policy and its uneven nuclear evolution.
Arabian Post
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Arabian Post
China's Nuclear Arsenal Set to Deepen Global Arms Surge
Chinese nuclear forces are expanding at a pace unmatched by other countries, with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reporting an annual increase of approximately 100 warheads since 2023. The nation now possesses at least 600 nuclear warheads and is constructing around 350 intercontinental ballistic missile silos—developments projected to put China on par with the United States and Russia in ICBM capability by the end of the decade. SIPRI's latest yearbook, issued on 16 June, emphasises that global nuclear arsenals are returning to growth after decades of contraction. The combined military stockpiles of nuclear warheads now total around 9,614, while approximately 2,100 warheads—mostly held by the United States and Russia—remain on high alert. Although China's nuclear stockpile remains modest compared to the U.S. and Russia—each holding over 5,000 warheads—the momentum behind its expansion marks a strategic shift. SIPRI forecasts that China could field up to 1,500 warheads by 2035, with its ICBM network rivalling that of the established nuclear powers by 2030. The rapid rise in Beijing's deterrent capacity signals a deeper global arms competition, exacerbated by a breakdown in arms-control agreements. ADVERTISEMENT China's nuclear modernisation encompasses land-, sea-, and air-based delivery systems. The PLA Rocket Force has deployed a mix of silo-based and mobile ICBMs, including the potent DF-41 system capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles. Simultaneously, China is advancing a nuclear triad, with bombers like the H‑6K equipped for long-range missions and an expanding fleet of Jin‑class ballistic missile submarines. Pentagon estimates align with SIPRI's findings. A U.S. Defence Department report placed China's warhead count at over 600 and predicts over 1,000 operational warheads by 2030. Analysts note that while many of China's warheads are stored separately from delivery systems, the growth in silo infrastructure indicates a potential shift towards higher operational readiness. China maintains its nuclear policy centres on minimum deterrence and no‑first‑use. A spokesperson reaffirmed that its buildup is defensive and that global nuclear reductions should be led by the U.S. and Russia. Yet, the introduction of launch-on-warning capabilities, expansion of missile silos, and pairing of warheads with ICBMs suggest a more assertive posture. The international ramifications are considerable. SIPRI warns that with diminishing arms controls and growing arsenals, the world faces a dangerous escalation. The concentration of high-alert warheads in U.S. and Russian hands, combined with China's acceleration, elevates risk profiles significantly. Moreover, emerging technologies such as AI integration in nuclear command-and-control raise alarms about stability and inadvertent escalation. China's rise spurs debate among military analysts and policymakers. Supporters view the deepening triad and ICBM deployment as necessary to counter U.S. strategic capabilities. Critics argue that rapid armament undermines global non‑proliferation efforts and threatens to trigger competitive buildups among established nuclear powers. Calls for renewed arms control dialogues now include China, challenging historical norms where Beijing was often excluded from global negotiations. Meanwhile, other nuclear-armed states—India, Pakistan, the UK, France, North Korea and Israel—continue modernisation programs. India and Pakistan are increasing their stockpiles; the UK has announced an expansion; North Korea is pursuing missile tests; and Israel maintains opacity under its policy of nuclear ambiguity. Global security experts warn that the dismantling of arms-control institutions, such as the withdrawal from the INF Treaty and uncertainty around New START, has created a vacuum. Amid rising nuclear rhetoric, SIPRI urges urgent diplomatic engagement and the strengthening of verification and non‑proliferation regimes. As nuclear power parity becomes conceivable, the need for inclusive multilateral frameworks has grown acute.
India.com
10-06-2025
- Science
- India.com
These are world's 3 fastest missiles with incredible speeds; fastest one travels at..., India is...
(File) New Delhi: There are many powerful missiles in the world, including high-speed supersonic missiles. Russia's Avangard ranks first among the fastest missiles, which can cover 32,000 km per hour with hypersonic technology. Apart from this, the second and third number missiles are also very dangerous. There are many countries in the world that have a stockpile of powerful missiles. India is also one of these countries, which has dangerous missiles like Brahmos, Akash and Agni. But do you know which are the fastest missiles in the world. Let's know about it. Actually, supersonic missiles are known for their speed. Powerful countries use high-speed missiles to win the war and teach the enemy a quick lesson. Here we will talk about the 3 fastest missiles in the world. The world's fastest missile is considered to be Avangard, which has been developed by Russia. This missile is based on hypersonic technology. This missile covers 32 thousand kilometers in just one hour and its range is around 6 thousand kilometers. The Avangard can be carried as a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) payload of heavy intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). It can deliver both nuclear and conventional payloads. The second name among the fastest missiles is Dongfeng-41 (DF-41), which has been made by China. The speed of this missile is 30,600 kilometers per hour. This missile is capable of targeting the enemy up to a range of 15 thousand kilometers. Its payload capacity is 2500 kg. it is reported that the DF-41 can carry 3 to 8 warheads. The Trident 2 missile is not only one of the fastest missiles in the world but is also considered to be the most expensive missile. This missile was made by America, now it is a part of their navy. This missile can be launched from a submarine. Its speed is 29 thousand 654 kilometers per hour.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US accelerates production of new B61-13 nuclear warhead
(NewsNation) — The United States military is ramping up production of a new nuclear warhead as Department of Defense officials point to an urgent need to deter threats and modernize the military's nuclear arsenal. The production of the B61-13, which surpasses the capabilities of bombs employed during World War II, is driven by escalating global tensions with nations like Russia and China. Sandia National Laboratories is collaborating with the U.S. Air Force and other agencies to cut production time by more than 25%, putting the project seven months ahead of schedule. More veterans frustrated over broken elevator at VA hospital The B61-13 is a gravity nuclear bomb with a 360-kiloton yield, according to the Federation of American Scientists. Its explosive force is 24 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. While the B61-13's potential impact is devastating, Russia's RS-28 Sarmat carries warheads twice as destructive, and China's DF-41 can target multiple locations simultaneously. Unlike Russian and Chinese missile-based warheads, the B61-13 will be aircraft-delivered, initially from the stealthy B2 bomber and later from the B-21 Raider, expected by 2030. Officials stress the B61-13 replaces older models without increasing the United States' total nuclear weapon numbers — but it represents a critical upgrade at an increasingly dangerous time. The production aligns with America's nuclear posture review, highlighting a continued commitment to deterrence amid evolving global threats. Trump's tariff pause sees global markets soar, US futures fall Production of the bomb was first initiated under the Biden administration. In 2023, the Biden administration justified the project by arguing it would 'replace all other nuclear gravity bombs,' according to FAS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
