China's New MIRV Ballistic Missile Is A Big Deal

During the nuclear honed days of the Cold War, the Soviet Union developed a nuclear missile able to strike anywhere in the U.S.
Loaded with multiple maneuverable warheads (MIRVs), while carrying decoys and chaff to keep from getting struck down, the missiles undermined the entire balance of power between the two superpowers and struck fear into hard hearts at the Kremlin and the Pentagon alike.

When China successfully tested its DF-31A missile several days ago, it confirmed another country now has proven nuclear ability reach any city in the U.S. with precisely the type of missiles that troubled the U.S. decades ago.
The DF-31A is believed to have three warheads per missile and a range of about 7,000 miles, which allows it to target anywhere in the U.S. While that ability isn't new, China's CSS-4 has that capability as well, that missile requires a stationary launch pad and contains but one nuclear warhead.

The DF-31A is portable and launches from the back of a tank, train, or truck. China also has more than 3,000 miles of underground tunnels and highly reinforced military bunkers where it can stash the highly mobile ordnance. Notoriously cryptic about the extent of its nuclear arsenal, China announced the launch on a Chinese military news site.
Bill Gertz at The Washington Free Beacon confirms what the site claims, reporting that U.S. intelligence, airborne, and space sensors picked up the launch from China's Wuzhai Space and Missile Test Center in western China when it happened.
From the Beacon:

China's Evolution on Ballistic Missile Defense

China’s approach toward ballistic missile defense is shifting. This area has long been regarded as a bastion of U.S.-Russian power politics and nuclear dynamics by Beijing. However, China has recently become a participant rather than an observer with its inclusion, along with Russia, as a dominant factor in the 2010 U.S. Nuclear Posture Review, and with its ground-based midcourse missile interception test in the same year.
While the United States and Russia are currently in the position to shape the dynamics of the debate, this is bound to change. In this context, it is important that Washington and Moscow take steps toward compromising on ballistic missile defense (BMD) cooperation now as a foundation for effective engagement with Beijing in the future.The evolution of Chinese analysis and technology on missile defense-related issues has undergone a significant progression. Attitudes have evolved from criticism of U.S. and Soviet policy, to countermeasures against U.S. BMD, and ultimately to conforming through China’s development of its own BMD capabilities. The question is how to reach the fourth “c”, comity.
To this end, it is instructive to look at the most recent stage of this evolution. China’s 2010 missile defense test demonstrated the very same technology that it once denounced—much like China’s nuclear test in 1964, and its anti-satellite test in 2007. This continuity offers some valuable insights into three issues often raised when discussing China: transparency, predictability, and engagement.
First, the number of strategic and technical articles on missile defense has increased exponentially within Chinese databases over the past decade, offering some of the greatest transparency available on any given security-related issue.
Second, when unofficial articles are viewed in the context of official actions, China’s technical and strategic communities offer invaluable insights into China’s response pattern.
Third, China’s development of BMD may be just what compels it and the United States to greater exchange. By integrating China into a system of relations from which it was once excluded and threatened, it will be in a much stronger position to engage and to be engaged.
This analysis reviews these three findings and does so with reference to more than 2,000 articles on missile defense in Chinese journals in order to provide recommendations as to how to better engage China on ballistic missile defense.

China’s DF-21D Missile Is a One-Shot Aircraft Carrier Killer

Since the end of WWII, America's naval might has been undisputed and our aircraft carriers have been its crown jewels. However, the days of dominance could end with China's new DF-21D ballistic missile—the only device on Earth capable of sinking an aircraft carrier—four and a half acres of sovereign US territory—with one shot.
The DF-21D (Dong-Feng 21 variant D) is the world's first and only anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). It's a two stage, land-launched missile with a maximum estimated range of 2,700 to 3,000 km. Its single fuel-air explosive warhead packs 200 to 500 kilotons. It was developed by China Changfeng Mechanics and Electronics Technology Academy as part of the country's massive military modernization effort, an initiative focused primarily on developing overwhelming missile technologies for which there are no effective defenses. The Defense Department believes it entered active service around 2009.
While the Chinese obviously aren't saying much on the inner workings of the new missile system, military experts believe it will rely on China's Over the Horizon radar (OTH) to monitor a 3,000-km

JYL-1 long range 3D air surveillance radar Poly Technologies Inc. - China

The JYL-1 radar system is capable of providing the effective detection and tracking of targets in the complicated electromagnetic and severe clutter environments, primarily serving as a backbone sensor in a international air defence network.

Function

• Air surveillance within the area of responsibility
• Accurate target detection and location, quickly acquire target 3D information
• Automatic target tracking
• Continuous reports of target plots/track data

Features

• Large coverage
• All weather operation
• Multiple modes of operation
• Multi-radar data fusion
• Large target processing capability
• High elevation-measuring accuracy
• Excellent ECCM performance
• High automation
• High reliability

Specifications

Frequence band: S band
Coverage instrumental range: 450 km
Coverage height: 30000 m
Coverage elevation: 30°
Coverage azimuth: 0° to 360°
Measurement accuracy (RMS) range: 100 m
Measurement accuracy (RMS) azimuth: 0.3°
Measurement accuracy (RMS) height: 600 m
Resolution range: 200 m
Resolution azimuth: 1.5°
Deployment time: 30 min by 6 persons
Withdrawal time: 20 min by 6 persons
Transport mode: by air, road, and rail
Number of transportable unit: 3

Norinco GP6 155 mm laser homing artillery weapon system

            

GP6 155 mm laser-homing artillery weapon system

NORINCO - China

 

 

 

The GP6 laser-homing artillery weapon system is designed to engage tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery pieces and other critical ground and surface targets, whether they are moving or emplaced in fortified positions.

The system is capable of effective target destruction within the range of 6 km to 25 km, so as to accomplish surgical style strikes with higher precision and reduced collateral damage.

Specifications

Firing range: 6 to 25 km
First-round hit probability: 90%
Caliber: 155 mm
Projectile length: 1180 mm
Projectile weight: 52 kg
Warhead: HE
Firing at moving targets: regular moving route and uniform speed on land or sea-surface
Anti-ground flame: yes
Antstatic: yes
EMC: yes

LY-80 (HQ-16) Air Defence Missile System Poly Technologies - China

                                  

                               LY-80 HQ-16 air defence missile system - China 

 

LY-80 also know as the HQ-16 missile weapon system, is a medium range and medium altitude air defence system.

It is designed to intercept fighter aircraft, cruise missile and air to surface guided missile, as well as to provide air defence cover for maneuvering ground troops and high value assets, such as command and control centers and military base.

System composition

One searching vehicle of the weapon system is capable of controlling three guidance vehicles, and each guidance vehicle is capable controlling four missiles firing vehicles. One guidance vehicle and four firing vehicles compose one firing unit.

Normally, one air defence battery is comprised of one searching vehicle and three firing units, i.e. three guidance vehicles and twelve missile firing vehicles.

The system configuration can be tailored according to customer requirement.

              Standard configuration of missile weapon system

Searching vehicle: 1
Command vehicle: 1
Guidance vehicle: 3
Missile firing unit: 12
Missile in tube: 144
Missile transport & loading vehicle: 12
Power supply vehicle: 2
Maintenance vehicle: 1
Missile test equipment: 1

Specifications of system

Maximum range of surveillance radar: 140 km
Maximum range of tracking radar: 85 km
System reaction time: less than 12 s from guidance vehicle receives target designation to missile leaves launch tube.

Specifications of missile

Length: 5.2 m
Weight: 650 kg
Diameter: 340 mm
Average speed: 700 m/s
Maximum speed: 1.200 m/s
Maximum overload: 25 g
Altitude: 15 m to 15.000 m
Maximum slant range: 40 km
Guidance system: Strapdown inertial guidance + intermittent illumination and semi-active homing terminal guidance
Navigation rule: update proportion
Launching mode: Six-cell vertical cold launch
Killing probability: SSKP against airplane is not less than 85%, SSKP against missile is not less than 60%

China is stepping up development of one thousand tons of thrust carrier rocket is expected two years after first flight

According to Voice of China “news and newspapers Summary reports, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology party committee secretary Liang Xiaohong said, of one thousand tons thrust carrier rockets is stepping up development are expected after two years fly, while the carrying capacity of one hundred tons, is five or six times of heavy rocket of active-duty carrier rocket has also entered the argument.
after take-off thrust of 600 tons of the Long March 2F carrier rocket successfully Divine No. 9 into space, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology party committee secretary Liang Xiaohong said, independently developed by China 1100 tons thrust rocket Long March 5 in the process of development and production to catch up with developed countries heavy rocket carrying capacity:
Liang Xiaohong: We are now low-earth orbit is roughly 10 tons of high-orbit is roughly five tons. Developed countries, its low-earth orbit is roughly 20 tons of high orbit is roughly 10 tons just twice. The low orbit of our 2014 first flight of the Long March 5 rocket can reach 25 tons, high-orbit can reach 13 tons. And proton number, energy, Ariane synchronized.
On this basis, the thrust of 3000 tons of heavy rocket more than 100 tons carrying capacity has also been demonstrated:
Liang Xiaohong: 8 m diameter core stage, 35 diameter, 3 m booster rocket from the first to the first 15 meters diameter, big guy. 8 engine drive, 3,000 tons of take-off, a very large rocket.
heavy rocket developed successfully meet all the needs of the future of China’s space activities:
Liang Xiaohong: You do not care deep space exploration or the moon or Mars exploration, I have to meet. Not only meet the needs of the domestic aerospace industry, is also able to meet all of the launch of the foreign needs.

UFOs Seen Approaching Shenzhou 9 Rocket

TV viewers watching the Shenzhou 9 mission liftoff on Saturday evening might have seen two UFOs approach the rocket as it exited the earth's atmosphere. 

Video recorded by infrared cameras revealed two shining objects rapidly moving toward the rocket from opposite sides of the Long March 2F rocket about four minutes and 11 seconds after liftoff.

The objects could not have been stars as none were visible during the 6:37 pm launch time, said Wang Sichao, a researcher at the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

Wang ruled out the possibility the objects were parts of the rocket, as they appeared ahead of its trajectory, as well as the theory they were birds since the objects left extremely visible heat signatures.

He added that further information is needed in order to identify the objects. 

Thailand-China to Jointly Develop MLRS with a Guidance System

Thailand and China have agreed to jointly develop multiple rocket launchers with a guidance system as part of a move to strengthen military ties.

The two sides reached the agreement during a visit to China by the Thai military top brass in what was described by Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat as a call by "the whole family" to China which is "our close relative".

It is the first time in 15 years that a defence minister has led all key military leaders ranging from the defence permanent secretary, supreme commander and armed forces chiefs to meet Chinese senior military officers, led by National Defence Minister Gen Liang Guanglie.

Under the new agreement, the Thai Defence Technology Institute will work with China to develop new multiple rocket launchers called "DTI-1G [Guided]" which will be more accurate and have a greater range than existing systems, said ACM Sukumpol after the meeting.

Multiple rocket launchers are known for their devastating capabilities and ability to deliver a large amount of ordinance simultaneously, but are not recognised for precision because they are not usually equipped with a guidance system.

In an earlier joint deal, Thailand and China developed the DTI-1 system, which had a range of between 60 and 180km, but it lacked accuracy.

The new DTI-1G project will last three years and will be funded under a 1.5-billion-baht budget, ACM Sukumpol said.

Gen Liang also told the delegation that if Thailand wants to buy weapons from China, it will be willing to sell them at "friendly prices", ACM Sukumpol quoted Gen Liang as saying."The price of Chinese weaponry has increased greatly recently. Arms are not as cheap as before so we will have to consider this carefully," ACM Sukumpol said.

As well as technological cooperation, the Thai and Chinese defence ministries have also agreed to hold a joint military exercise involving their air forces for the first time.

"We will need to discuss more details of this because Thailand and China have different military doctrines in the aviation area," ACM Sukumpol said.

So far the two countries have held joint military drills involving the army's special warfare units and the navy's marine corps.

Chinese spies target Taiwan's US-made defenses

When Taiwanese security personnel detained a suspected spy for China at a top secret military base last month, they may have had a sense of deja vu.

 Air force Capt. Chiang — he was identified only by his surname — was the fourth Taiwanese in only 14 months known to have been picked up on charges of spying for China, from which the island split amid civil war 63 years ago. While Taiwan's Defense Ministry did not disclose details of his alleged offense, his base in the northern part of the island hosts the air force's highly classified radar system and U.S.-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles, both vital to the island's aerial defense.


Chiang's arrest followed that of Maj. Gen. Lo Hsieh-che, who had access to crucial information on Taiwan's U.S.-designed command and control system, and civilian Lai Kun-chieh, who the Defense Ministry says tried without success to inveigle Patriot-related secrets from an unnamed military officer. A fourth alleged spy was detained on non-defense-related charges.
The cases show that China is seeking information about two systems that are integral to Taiwan's defenses and built with sensitive U.S. technology. A major breach could make Taiwan more vulnerable to Chinese attack.

WZ-10 - Chinese Attack helicopter

The WZ-10 (WZ, 武直 = Wuzhuang Zhishengji, 武装直升机, literally "Armed Helicopter") is an attack helicopter developed by the People's Republic of China. It is designed primarily for anti-tank missions but is believed to have a secondary air-to-air capability as well. It is being built by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC).

India is 10-15 years Behind China in Missile Technology: China

A Communist Party-backed Chinese newspaper has quickly refuted a top Indian scientist’s claims that India’s ballistic missile defence technology is superior to that of China. India is 10-15 years behind China in missile technology, Chinese Rear Admiral Zhang Zhaozhong was quoted saying on the Global Times front page on Friday.The report was prominently reproduced across the Chinese media. “India’s technology for its measurement and control system, which is used to trace launched missiles, remains at a very low level, and they are unable to constitute a complete and reliable missile defense system,” Zhang said.He was reacting to claims of India’s superior missile technology by V K Saraswat, who heads the Defence Research and Development Organisation .......

Chinese Army to Develop New Missile By 2015

A new type of conventional missile being researched by the Chinese Army is set to be weaponised for entry into active service within five years, military sources revealed.

The China News Service has reported that China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) will complete research, production and delivery of the new missile by 2015.

A military source revealed that the mew missile is a medium and long-range conventional missile with a travelling distance of 4,000km.

Used in both defence and attack, the new missile will be capable of dealing with threats from land, sea, air, space and cybernetic attacks.
"The project will also entail a three-year evaluation period. It extends the range of China's missiles and will therefore greatly enhance the national defence capabilities," the source added.