China upgrades entire ballistic missile fleet
China's Strategic Rocket Force announced that it has completed plans to upgrade ballistic missile versions.
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China's DF-41 missile carrier and launcher. Photo:Sina. |
"The mobility and survivability of strategic missiles of the Rocket Forces have been enhanced,"Global TimesJanuary 25 quoted a statement by a Chinese military expert.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang also said that the Rocket Force is the core of China's strategic deterrence and a pillar supporting and safeguarding national security.
Mr. Ren emphasized that upgrading and developing weapons of this force is completely normal and necessary, and affirmed that China will "steadfastly follow the path of developing firepower and pursue a defensive defense policy".
In late 2017, China test-launched the world's first combat-capable DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) ballistic missile, and is expected to put into service the Dongfeng 41 (DF-41) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of "hitting anywhere in the world" in the first half of 2018.