China is one of the world’s superpowers, and its military capabilities have been a topic of discussion for many years. One aspect that has often been debated is the number of cruise missiles that China possesses.
Cruise missiles are unmanned, guided weapons that can be launched from air, sea, or land. They are capable of delivering a deadly payload to a Target with high accuracy. In this article, we will explore how many cruise missiles China has.
What are Cruise Missiles?
Before we delve into the details about China’s cruise missile capabilities, let’s first understand what cruise missiles are and how they work. A cruise missile is a self-propelled guided missile that can travel at low altitudes and high speeds to deliver a payload to a Target. These missiles can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or ground-based launchers.
Cruise missiles have an onboard computer that allows them to navigate through terrain and avoid obstacles such as mountains or buildings. They can also be programmed to follow specific flight paths to evade enemy defenses.
China’s Cruise Missile Capabilities
China has been investing heavily in its military modernization program for several years now. As part of this program, it has developed an extensive range of ballistic and cruise missiles. The exact number of cruise missiles in China’s arsenal is classified information and not publicly available.
However, it is estimated that China has around 1,500-1,800 land-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges up to 5,500 kilometers. These intermediate-range missiles include the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) and the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Both these missiles have the capability to Target U.S. bases in Asia-Pacific region.
DF-21D Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile
The DF-21D ASBM is also known as the “carrier killer” as it is designed to Target aircraft carriers and other large ships. It has a range of approximately 1,500 kilometers and is capable of carrying a warhead of up to 500 kilograms. The missile can be launched from mobile platforms, making it difficult for enemy forces to locate and destroy.
DF-26 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile
The DF-26 IRBM is a dual-capable missile that can be used for both nuclear and conventional missions. It has a range of approximately 4,000 kilometers and can carry multiple types of warheads. This missile is also mobile and has the capability to launch from various platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, China’s cruise missile capabilities are significant and growing rapidly. While the exact number of missiles in its arsenal remains classified information, it is clear that China has invested heavily in developing an extensive range of ballistic and cruise missiles. The DF-21D ASBM and the DF-26 IRBM are just two examples of China’s advanced cruise missiles that have the potential to threaten U. interests in the Asia-Pacific region.