China flexes deterrence muscle with new missile line-up in military parade

Among the weapons appearing in public for the first time was the Jing Lei-1, or JL-1, long-range air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM).

ALBMs are typically launched from bombers and are considered to be a pillar of a nuclear triad – a three-pronged military force structure for delivering nuclear weapons alongside intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

The missile is China’s first known ALBM and possibly could be launched from an H-6 bomber, completing Beijing’s nuclear triad.

05:50

China showcases new military hardware in massive Victory Day parade

Another key debut in the military parade in Beijing was that of the JL-3, a third-generation intercontinental-range SLBM that is considered a cornerstone of China’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. It is designed to be carried by the Type 094 and potentially future Type 096 nuclear submarines.

With a reported operational range of over 10,000km (6,200 miles), the JL-3 can carry three multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) and has the capacity to reach the US mainland.

South China Morning Post