Pentagon Report Reveals Extent of China's Missile Capabilities

Significant Expansion in Missile Arsenal

The Pentagon's latest report on China's military capabilities has revealed a significant expansion in the country's missile arsenal. The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) has grown substantially in recent years as Beijing develops new platforms for both conventional and nuclear strikes. This development is seen as a potential threat to the United States, its allies, and regional partners.

Key Findings on China's Missile Capabilities

The report estimates that China now possesses approximately 550 ICBM launchers and 400 missiles with ranges exceeding 5,500 kilometers, meeting the threshold for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Notable ICBMs in China's arsenal include the DF-5 and DF-41 systems. Additionally, China has around 300 launchers for 1,300 medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), such as the DF-21 and the hypersonic DF-17, with ranges between 1,000 and 3,000 kilometers.

Notable Increases in Missile Systems

The report highlights a notable increase in the number of launchers and missiles across several key systems. Specifically, the number of intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) launchers like the DF-26 has risen from 250 to 300, while the total number of IRBMs has increased from 500 to 550 units. This expansion indicates China's ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen its missile capabilities.