China tested its new JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, capable of reaching 10,000 km, alarming Pacific nations. This marks a significant expansion of China's nuclear arsenal and military capabilities, aiming for a modern force by 2027 and a world-class military by 2050.
The US State Department criticized China for providing only a few hours' notice before a submarine-launched ballistic missile test into the Pacific. Washington stated that Beijing's notification lacked sufficient detail and fell short of standards set by other nuclear powers, raising concerns amid China's "rapid and opaque nuclear weapons build-up."
China conducted its first known submarine-launched ballistic missile test since 1982, raising concerns about its expanding nuclear capabilities and military assertiveness. Analysts view it as a strategic signal of a credible sea-based deterrent, prompting calls for increased defense spending and security coordination among US allies.
China's Navy launched a ballistic missile from a submarine during a joint exercise with Russia. The missile traveled approximately 6,000 km, falling short of its potential range. This test is part of a series of missile tests conducted by China.
Cold launch technology is the global standard for safely ejecting submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) using high-pressure gas, preventing rocket engine ignition inside the launch tube and protecting the submarine.
