US Intel: China Now Dominates Global Missile Power with 3000+

On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) released its highly anticipated annual report detailing China’s military and security advancements. Among the key insights shared, the report placed significant emphasis on the continued modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), the branch of the Chinese military responsible for overseeing the country’s growing missile arsenal.

The Formation and Structure of China’s Missile Forces

The PLARF, established in 2015, manages a diverse and expanding range of land-based missiles, which have become increasingly pivotal in China’s military strategy. As of late 2024, the PLARF controls over 3,100 ballistic missiles, ranging from short-range tactical weapons to advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

The force is structured to handle both nuclear and conventional missile operations, with distinct command structures for each. Nuclear missions are directly overseen by China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), while conventional missile operations are likely directed by regional Theater Commanders.

This vast missile force is organized into seven combat missile bases, each overseeing six to eight missile brigades. Additionally, three support bases are tasked with missile testing, infrastructure development, and warhead handling. Collectively, the PLARF is comprised of at least 40 missile brigades, reflecting China’s strong commitment to advancing its missile capabilities.

Modernization of China’s Missile Arsenal

The report highlights a major trend within the PLARF: the ongoing modernization of its missile inventory, which now includes several key categories of missiles. These missiles serve to extend China’s reach and precision in targeting critical military and strategic sites.

Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs)

The PLARF operates around 900 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). These missiles are designed for tactical strikes at shorter ranges but are highly mobile, allowing for rapid deployment and flexibility in targeting regional threats. The most notable SRBMs in China’s arsenal include:

• DF-15: With a range of up to 900 kilometers, this missile is capable of targeting airfields, bunkers, and command centers.
• DF-11: A slightly shorter-range missile, with a reach of around 600 kilometers, designed to strike hardened facilities.
• DF-15C: A variant of the DF-15, optimized for attacking enemy installations that are well-fortified.

Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs)

In addition to SRBMs, the PLARF also operates over 1,300 medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs). These missiles further expand China’s strike capabilities, allowing it to target strategic locations across a wider range. Prominent missiles in this category include:

• DF-21D: Known for its ability to target moving ships at sea, this missile is a key asset in China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy.
• DF-17: This missile launches the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle, which can potentially carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. The DF-ZF is designed for high maneuverability and low-altitude flight, making it difficult for missile defense systems to intercept.

Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs)

China’s missile force also includes approximately 500 intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), capable of striking targets up to 4,000 kilometers away. The key IRBM systems include:

• DF-26: A dual-role missile capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads. The DF-26 is replacing the older DF-21 and is a cornerstone of China’s capability to engage in land attacks and anti-ship missions.
• DF-27: A more advanced IRBM, with a range of 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle. This missile can strike high-value military and civilian targets, including U.S. assets in the Pacific.

Ground-Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCMs)

The PLARF also operates 400 ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs), such as the CJ-10 and CJ-100, with ranges between 1,500 and 2,000 kilometers. These missiles allow China to carry out precise strikes against military targets and critical infrastructure.

The newly developed CJ-100 (or DF-100) has an even longer range of 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers and can travel at speeds of Mach 4, further enhancing China’s strike capabilities.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)

The PLARF’s inventory includes 400 ICBMs, which are capable of reaching targets over 11,000 kilometers away. These missiles are essential for China’s strategic nuclear deterrence. Some of the most advanced ICBMs in the PLARF’s arsenal include:

• DF-5: A long-range ICBM capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
• DF-31: A road-mobile ICBM that offers flexibility and mobility in deployment.
• DF-41: China’s newest ICBM, with an estimated range between 12,000 and 15,000 kilometers, making it one of the longest-range missiles in the world. The DF-41 can carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), further enhancing China’s nuclear strike capabilities.

Enhanced Readiness and Strategic Exercises

The PLARF’s missile capabilities have been steadily improving, and the force has conducted numerous drills to ensure that its readiness matches its growing capabilities. Notably, the PLARF participated in “Joint Sword” exercises in 2023, simulating coordinated missile strikes in a scenario that involved encircling Taiwan. These exercises demonstrated the ability of China’s missile forces to work in tandem with other branches of the military, including the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and land-based aircraft.

Additionally, the PLARF conducted a highly publicized intercontinental missile test in September 2024, launching an ICBM from Hainan Island into the South Pacific. This marked China’s first ICBM test in the Pacific since 1980 and emphasized its long-range strike capabilities, signaling to the world China’s growing ability to challenge U.S. missile defenses.

The Future of China’s Missile Force

Looking ahead, the PLARF continues to modernize its missile forces, focusing on building a more formidable and flexible strategic deterrence. China is investing in new technologies such as MIRVs for its ICBMs, which will significantly increase the potential effectiveness of its nuclear arsenal.

Furthermore, satellite imagery indicates that the PLARF is constructing new missile silo fields, enhancing its capacity to launch multiple missiles simultaneously and withstand potential preemptive strikes.

The modernization efforts of the PLARF align with China’s broader objectives of strengthening its nuclear deterrence, expanding its regional influence, and asserting its dominance in the Indo-Pacific.

As China’s missile capabilities continue to grow, the international community will need to closely monitor these developments to better understand the strategic implications for global security.