China Ballistic Missiles and Nuclear Arms Thread
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Both Russia and China seem to be ahead in hypersonic weapon deployment. Well for both, development have long been completed for at least two types of HGV weapons. As far as we know, it is confirmed by all US they have observed, possibly tracked Russian and Chinese successful HGV tests since early 2010s. These weapons have been claimed by Russia to be part of their service - Zircon missile (smaller vehicle) and Avangard (presumably nuclear warhead capable larger vehicle). China has admitted to having DF-ZF or whatever the vehicle shown on the DF-17 rocket is already in service since at least 2019 if not earlier. It's also hinted that the Type 055 will (or already) carries hypersonic anti ship missiles. MaRV AShBM warheads are a different branch of A2AD weapons to these HGVs.
DF-ZF vehicle on the DF-17 is HUGE. No doubt smaller warhead carrying HGVs in Chinese service is one goal if not already achieved. This isn't something to be leaked or talked about unless it is done. Anti ship HGVs are probably harder if anything so if that's been leaked a year ago, HGVs on ICBMs and SLBMs? In what world wouldn't that be the first priority? Given how much the US wanted to surround China with THAAD and SM-3 carrying American and Japanese warships.
The US held many tests and had several programs since the 1980s. It's suspicious their AGM-183 isn't working well at the moment. It might make sense that China and Russia needed HGVs for warheads and anti ship missiles much more than the US did because of military doctrine and posture. These weapons are simply much less useful for the US since they rely on carrier groups to wage war on other nations FAR from their borders.
It seems like both Russia and China finished development and put them into service before announcing these weapons. The Americans have been shouting about Chinese hypersonic tests 10 years ago. Now China is conducting interception of hypersonic weapons successfully.
DF-ZF vehicle on the DF-17 is HUGE. No doubt smaller warhead carrying HGVs in Chinese service is one goal if not already achieved. This isn't something to be leaked or talked about unless it is done. Anti ship HGVs are probably harder if anything so if that's been leaked a year ago, HGVs on ICBMs and SLBMs? In what world wouldn't that be the first priority? Given how much the US wanted to surround China with THAAD and SM-3 carrying American and Japanese warships.
The US held many tests and had several programs since the 1980s. It's suspicious their AGM-183 isn't working well at the moment. It might make sense that China and Russia needed HGVs for warheads and anti ship missiles much more than the US did because of military doctrine and posture. These weapons are simply much less useful for the US since they rely on carrier groups to wage war on other nations FAR from their borders.
It seems like both Russia and China finished development and put them into service before announcing these weapons. The Americans have been shouting about Chinese hypersonic tests 10 years ago. Now China is conducting interception of hypersonic weapons successfully.
broadsword
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escobar
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Interesting analysis against the silo missile theory...
in my opinion its important for china to focus on weapons systems threatening continental usa and make clear that intermediate forces are not nuclear and aimed to potentially destroy only US assets in pacific region to enhance china neighbour confidence that china is not a threat for them. This strategy will be wise in the long term for china, just waiting for paranoia and hubris to make USA fail.
IRBMs are useful for deterring India though. I don't think other non-nuclear states in the region really have problems with China's nuclear arsenal.
Actually far more than 600. A modern warhead like w87 only need less than 1 kilogram of plutonium for its primary...
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