Yesterday, the Rocket Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China conducted a new test launch of one of its intercontinental ballistic missiles in the Pacific Ocean. The missile, which carried a simulated warhead, accurately struck its target. This was reported by the Chinese Ministry of Defense, which clarified that it was a routine activity within the framework of the Armed Forces’ Annual Training Plan.
In this context, it is noteworthy that in light of the increasing rhetoric from Russia and the United States regarding their own nuclear tests, China stated that its activities were not aimed at any country and were communicated in advance to relevant nations. In line with this, the Chinese Ministry of Defense’s statement said: “The PLA Rocket Force launched an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) carrying a dummy warhead into the high seas in the Pacific Ocean at 08:44 on September 25, and the missile fell in expected maritime areas… This is in accordance with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target.”
However, it is important to highlight that these are the first tests of this kind that China has conducted since the 1980s, considering that the country has firing ranges within its own territory. In particular, we refer to the Taklamakan Desert, located in the Xinjiang region, which allowed for testing with greater discretion and without raising as many alerts in neighboring countries that view the testing as a signal directed at them. This is the case for Japan, which reported tracking the launch and taking all necessary precautions for vessels flying its flag operating in the area; other nations such as Taiwan and the Philippines are also included in this group.
For now, while there is no official confirmation, local media report that the launched missile is likely a DF-41. This system was first delivered to the Chinese Armed Forces in 2012, featuring a range of between 12,000 and 15,000 kilometers, making it the most capable weapon in China’s inventory. In terms of warheads, each missile can carry up to 12 MIRV warheads, depending on their yield, which varies between 20, 90, and 150 kilotons, and can travel at hypersonic speeds.
Finally, it is useful to mention that currently, the Asian giant is reported to have around 500 operational warheads according to previous Pentagon reports. Of this number, approximately 350 would be deliverable by intercontinental ballistic missiles such as the DF-41, a considerably smaller quantity than that possessed by both Russia and the United States, but it is expected to double by 2030.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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