China Conducts Rare ICBM Test in Pacific Ocean

Why in the news?

China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, raising international concerns about its nuclear capabilities amid routine military training exercises.

China’s ICBM Launch Details:

  • China announced a successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched into the Pacific Ocean on September 25.
  • The missile, equipped with a dummy warhead, was fired by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force at 8:44 a.m. Beijing time.
  • The Chinese defence ministry stated that the launch was part of a routine training plan and was not aimed at any specific country.

Strategic Context

  • The ICBM test is part of China’s efforts to modernise its nuclear capabilities amid advancing U.S. missile defences and strengthened military alliances.
  • The PLA Rocket Force is tasked with enhancing China’s nuclear arsenal in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Concept of Ballistic Missiles

  • Definition: Ballistic missiles follow a ballistic trajectory to deliver warheads to a target.
  • Trajectory: The flight path is determined by initial velocity, gravity, air resistance, and the Earth’s motion (Coriolis Force).
  • Flight Phases: Guided briefly during launch; otherwise, they have no propulsion.

Types Based on Range

  • Short-range Ballistic Missile (SRBM): Range of 300 km to 1,000 km.
  • Medium-range Ballistic Missile (MRBM): Range of 1,000 km to 3,500 km.
  • Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile (IRBM): Range of 3,500 km to 5,500 km.
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM): Range exceeds 5,500 km.

Indian Ballistic Missiles

Notable systems include Agni, K-4 (SLBM), Prahaar, Dhanush, Prithvi, and Trishul.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times