The South China Morning Post said that China’s total number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) is currently at about 238, and could surpass the US’s 800 or even Russia’s 1,244 within 10 years. next.
Although this number is still much smaller than the two largest nuclear powers, Russia and the United States, this shows that Beijing is accelerating efforts to narrow the gap to enhance its nuclear capabilities.
The global nuclear stockpile currently has 3,904 nuclear warheads ready for deployment, with another 5,681 warheads in storage. The total number of nuclear warheads is at an alarming level of 9,585.
Among smaller nuclear powers, India is believed to have 172 warheads in its stockpile, Pakistan possesses 170, North Korea has about 50 and Israel 90. SIPRI also estimates that North Korea has the material needed to be able to increase its arsenal to 90 warheads.
* Italy considers sending Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine
Italian newspaper Fatto Quotidiano reported that Italy is considering sending Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine as part of a new military assistance package. The transfer could take place later this month.
British Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 bomber carrying two Storm Shadow missiles. Photo: Airforce Technology
Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile, jointly developed by France and the UK. This missile is designed to attack fortified infrastructure such as air bases, radar stations, communications centers and enemy mobile and fixed targets. Known for its high accuracy and ability to evade enemy defenses, Storm Shadow is a powerful weapon in modern warfare.
Storm Shadow is about 5.1m long and weighs about 1,300kg, of which the warhead weighs 450kg. The missile is equipped with a jet engine, allowing it to maintain subsonic speeds when flying long distances. This engine is designed to provide a balance between speed and fuel efficiency, allowing the missile to accurately reach the target.
In addition, the missile is also integrated with integrated inertial/global positioning navigation systems INS/GPS and terrain-referenced navigation, allowing the missile to fly at low altitudes, avoiding being detected by enemy radar. method of detection. The missile is also equipped with an infrared detector for final-stage guidance.
Storm Shadow can carry many types of warheads, the most common is the BROACH serial warhead, which means there are two warheads in the front and rear. In the front is an armor-piercing warhead, in the back is a high-explosive warhead that can drill straight into the target and explode. This warhead is designed to penetrate fortified targets and carries a powerful explosive charge. This missile has a range ranging from 250 to 560km depending on the version. The firing range is 560km for models equipped with the British and French armies and about 250-300km for export versions.
Quynh Oanh (Synthetic)