Latest news with #Dongfeng-41
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First Post
11 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
China's nuclear arsenal growing fastest, to touch 1,500 warheads by 2035: SIPRI
China has the world's fastest-growing nuclear weapons arsenal and could have as many intercontinental ballistic missiles as the United States and Russia by 2030, according to latest analysis from the Stockholm International Peace Institute (SIPRI). read more A Dongfeng-41 intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles group formation marches to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, on October 1, 2019 (Photo: Shen Shi/Imagine China/Reuters) China has the world's fastest-growing nuclear arsenal that is expected to more than double over the next decade, according to latest analysis from the Stockholm International Peace Institute (SIPRI). In the SIPRI Yearbook 2025, analysts said that China is adding 100 nuclear warheads to its arsenal every year and has at least 600 nuclear warheads. By 2025, China is expected to have 1,500 warheads, according to the analysis. The SIPRI's findings are in line with the US intelligence assessment from last year that found that China has been carrying out 'most rapid expansion and ambitious modernisation of its nuclear forces in history'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States and Russia have the world's largest nuclear arsenals with more than 10,500 warheads among them. China could have as many ICBMs as US, Russia China is not just expanding the nuclear arsenals, but is also expanding storage and launch sites, according to SIPRI. By 2035, China would have completed around 350 new silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in three large desert fields in the country's north and three mountainous areas in the country's east, as per SIPRI. Analysts noted that this would mean that China could potentially have at least as many ICBMs as either the United States or Russia by the end of the decade even though nuclear warheads would just be a tiny fraction compared to them. Photo Credit: Stockholm International Peace Institute (SIPRI) In an assessment last year, the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) doubled its estimate of China's nuclear arsenal and said that China had more than 500 nuclear weapons and was on track to have more than 1,000 by 2030. In 2023, China was assessed to have 200 warheads. Among the most concerning findings, the DIA said that China could junk the no-first-use (NFU) policy and may be open to a 'limited' nuclear war.
India.com
11-05-2025
- General
- India.com
Cruise VS Ballistic VS Hypersonic Missiles: Which One Is More Lethal? Check Range, Speed And Accuracy
photoDetails english 2899435 Cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles differ in speed, flight path, and interception difficulty. Cruise missiles fly at low altitudes within the Earth's atmosphere at subsonic or supersonic speeds. Ballistic missiles follow a high-arching trajectory, leaving and re-entering the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds. Hypersonic missiles travel faster than Mach 5, maneuver mid-flight, and are nearly impossible to intercept. While ICBMs have long ranges, hypersonic missiles offer speed and unpredictability, though they are costly to develop. Updated:May 11, 2025, 12:27 PM IST Cruise, Ballistic, and Hypersonic Missiles 1 / 8 Missiles play a crucial role in modern warfare, with countries constantly developing advanced technology to gain an edge. The three main types—cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic—differ in speed, flight trajectory, and strike capability, making each suited for specific military objectives. Let's delve deeply into what makes these missiles distinct from each other and their unique capabilities. Cruise Missiles Speed 2 / 8 A cruise missile is a guided weapon that flies horizontally within the Earth's atmosphere. It typically travels at subsonic speeds of Mach 0.8-0.9, though some versions can reach Mach 2-3. According to The Economic Times, these missiles rely on GPS, radar, or terrain contour matching (TERCOM) for guidance. They follow a low-altitude flight path, making them difficult to detect by radar. However, The Hindu reported that their slower speeds make them vulnerable to interception by advanced air defense systems. Ballistic Missiles Range 3 / 8 Ballistic missiles, unlike cruise missiles, follow a high-arching trajectory. They are launched into space and then descend toward their target using gravity. The Indian Express explained that these missiles leave the Earth's atmosphere during their mid-course phase before re-entering at hypersonic speeds ranging from Mach 10 to 20. Due to their long range, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) can travel over 5,500 km. However, their high-altitude trajectory makes them easily detectable by radar, as reported by Hindustan Times. Additionally, they require a longer preparation time before launch. Ballistic Missile Examples 4 / 8 India's Agni missiles, the U.S. Minuteman III, and China's Dongfeng-41 are some of the most well-known ballistic missiles, according to NDTV. These weapons provide strategic deterrence and are often equipped with nuclear warheads. Hypersonic Missiles Speed, Range 5 / 8 Hypersonic missiles are the fastest among the three, traveling at speeds above Mach 5 and reaching up to Mach 25. BBC reported that these missiles use either boost-glide systems or air-breathing cruise engines. Unlike ballistic missiles, they do not follow a fixed trajectory and can maneuver mid-flight, making them highly unpredictable. This ability makes them nearly impossible to intercept, even with the most advanced defense systems. Countries Who Own Hypersonic Missiles 6 / 8 Their speed and agility make hypersonic missiles a game-changer in modern warfare. However, according to The Print, the high cost and technological complexity involved in their development remain a challenge. Despite this, nations like Russia, the U.S., and China are heavily investing in them. Russia's Avangard, the U.S. HAWC (Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept), and China's DF-Z are some of the most notable examples, reported Al Jazeera. Cruise vs Ballistic vs Hypersonic: Accuracy 7 / 8 Cruise missiles use GPS, radar, or TERCOM for navigation, ensuring precision. Ballistic missiles are guided mainly in the boost and mid-course phases, with some having terminal-phase guidance for precision strikes. While, Hypersonic missiles use real-time targeting and AI, making them highly precise while also being difficult to intercept. India's Hypersonic Missile 8 / 8 India conducted a successful test of its first long-range hypersonic missile on November 16, 2024. The test took place at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile is capable of delivering payloads over a range of 1,500 kilometers. India joins a select group of nations, including the United States, Russia, and China, that have developed hypersonic missile technology. The successful test marks a significant step in strengthening the country's defense capabilities.
