Latest news with #ICBM
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump's $175 billion ‘Golden Dome' missile shield plan sparks skepticism, warnings of arms race
US President Donald Trump's ambitious plan to build a space-based missile defense system called the 'Golden Dome' is drawing sharp criticism from defense analysts, scientists, and global powers, who warn the $175 billion project could be a technical dead-end and trigger a new nuclear arms race. Trump unveiled the plan last month, vowing that the United States would deploy an orbiting shield to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) from adversaries like China, Russia, or North Korea by the end of his proposed second term in 2029. The system, inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, would be far more complex, designed to shoot down much larger, faster threats from across the globe. 'Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world,' Trump claimed. But defense experts are deeply skeptical. 'I'm not holding my breath,' said Thomas Withington, associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 'The challenges are so significant at this stage that they may simply be unrealistic within the timeframes that the Trump administration envisages.' Space lasers and satellite swarms The proposed system would rely on detecting missiles during their 'boost phase' — the initial minutes after launch when the rocket is most visible from space. But to successfully intercept a single ICBM during this window, hundreds of interceptor satellites would need to be in constant orbit. 'It would take about 950 interceptors in orbit to ensure at least one is always in range,' said Todd Harrison from the American Enterprise Institute. 'To counter a salvo of 10 missiles, you'd need nearly 9,500 interceptors.' The US Congressional Budget Office has estimated that even a limited version of the system, designed to stop just one or two ICBMs, would cost between $161 billion and $542 billion. The plan also includes space-based lasers to destroy missiles without generating debris. But European defense contractors say such capabilities are 'still beyond what even the Americans are capable of doing.' 'It's just an excellent way to give the US defense industry substantial funding,' one anonymous contractor told reporters, 'without necessarily aiming for actual deployment.' Risk of a global arms race Critics also warn of geopolitical fallout. Analysts say the system could threaten the principle of mutually assured destruction, which underpins global nuclear stability. 'If Washington is perceived to be developing a shield that could one day neutralize a retaliatory nuclear strike, it risks triggering a dangerous global arms race,' said Julia Cournoyer, a research associate at Chatham House. China, Russia, and North Korea have already condemned the plan. Beijing and Moscow called it 'deeply destabilizing,' while Pyongyang labelled it 'very dangerous.' The concept echoes Ronald Reagan's 1980s Strategic Defense Initiative, which also envisioned satellite interceptors but was ultimately scrapped due to cost and feasibility concerns. Still, some speculate Trump may be using the proposal as a bargaining chip in future arms control talks. 'It may be that the Trump administration hopes to bring China and Russia to the table to negotiate nuclear reductions or revive arms control dialogue,' said Withington.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
How China's Surprise ICBM Test Alarmed US Pacific Ally
China has been accused of "misleading" New Zealand-a United States security ally in the South Pacific-regarding its test of an unarmed but nuclear-capable long-range missile in 2024. In a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied that Beijing had mischaracterized the test, claiming it was part of the military's routine annual training and was conducted in compliance with "international law and international norms." Newsweek has reached out to both the Chinese Defense Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand for further comment via email. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Last September, China-one of nine nuclear-armed states-publicized its first test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in over four decades. The missile's dummy warhead landed in international waters in the South Pacific, about 7,400 miles from its launch site. It was reported that Washington and its South Pacific allies, Australia and New Zealand, received pre-launch notifications from Beijing, which the Pentagonlater c onfirmed. Both Russia and the U.S. regularly conduct unarmed tests of their nuclear missiles. The rare Chinese missile test over the Pacific comes against the backdrop of the rapid modernization and expansion of China's nuclear arsenal, which currently includes at least 600 warheads. Citing classified government documents, AFP reported on Wednesday that New Zealand's senior diplomats were concerned China had characterized the test as routine-a view the South Pacific country did not share-adding that "we do not want to see this test repeated." In addition to criticizing China's "mischaracterization," New Zealand diplomats questioned Beijing's rationale for choosing the South Pacific as the missile's splashdown site, as well as the timing of the test, which they described as a "significant and concerning" development. The test also marked the first time a nuclear-capable missile has been terminated within the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone-established in 1986 under the Treaty of Rarotonga. However, the treaty specifically prevents only the testing of "nuclear explosive devices." Kiribati-located within the nuclear-free zone and an ally of China-expressed discontent over the test. The island nation, which did not receive prior notification from Beijing, stated at the time that international waters in the region "are not isolated pockets of oceans." When asked about China's growing nuclear arsenal on Monday, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that Beijing has committed "unconditionally" to not using or threatening to use its nuclear weapons against nuclear-weapon-free zones. China, which has the world's third-largest nuclear stockpile behind Russia and the U.S., is also one of the dialogue partners of the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone. China foreign policy expert Nicholas Khoo told AFP: "Since 1980, China's ICBM tests have taken place within Chinese territory. The test is a reminder to regional states that China is a 'full spectrum' power that has economic and military power. It is a peer with the U.S." The Chinese Defense Ministry announced in September 2024: "This [ICBM] test launch is a routine arrangement in our annual training plan. It is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target." It remains to be seen whether China will perform another ICBM test launch over the Pacific in the near future. Meanwhile, the U.S. has conducted two ICBM tests so far this year. Related Articles China's Housing Market Facing Long SlumpGavin Newsom Mocks Trump's 'Made in China' SmartphoneUS Ally Reveals Chinese Military Activity Near American BaseChina Goes on Diplomatic Offensive as Israel-Iran War Distracts America 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
How China's Surprise ICBM Test Alarmed US Pacific Ally
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China has been accused of "misleading" New Zealand—a United States security ally in the South Pacific—regarding its test of an unarmed but nuclear-capable long-range missile in 2024. In a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied that Beijing had mischaracterized the test, claiming it was part of the military's routine annual training and was conducted in compliance with "international law and international norms." Newsweek has reached out to both the Chinese Defense Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand for further comment via email. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Why It Matters Last September, China—one of nine nuclear-armed states—publicized its first test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in over four decades. The missile's dummy warhead landed in international waters in the South Pacific, about 7,400 miles from its launch site. It was reported that Washington and its South Pacific allies, Australia and New Zealand, received pre-launch notifications from Beijing, which the Pentagon later confirmed. Both Russia and the U.S. regularly conduct unarmed tests of their nuclear missiles. The rare Chinese missile test over the Pacific comes against the backdrop of the rapid modernization and expansion of China's nuclear arsenal, which currently includes at least 600 warheads. What To Know Citing classified government documents, AFP reported on Wednesday that New Zealand's senior diplomats were concerned China had characterized the test as routine—a view the South Pacific country did not share—adding that "we do not want to see this test repeated." In addition to criticizing China's "mischaracterization," New Zealand diplomats questioned Beijing's rationale for choosing the South Pacific as the missile's splashdown site, as well as the timing of the test, which they described as a "significant and concerning" development. The test also marked the first time a nuclear-capable missile has been terminated within the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone—established in 1986 under the Treaty of Rarotonga. However, the treaty specifically prevents only the testing of "nuclear explosive devices." Kiribati—located within the nuclear-free zone and an ally of China—expressed discontent over the test. The island nation, which did not receive prior notification from Beijing, stated at the time that international waters in the region "are not isolated pockets of oceans." The Chinese military launches an intercontinental ballistic missile over international waters in the Pacific Ocean on September 25, 2024. The Chinese military launches an intercontinental ballistic missile over international waters in the Pacific Ocean on September 25, 2024. Chinese military When asked about China's growing nuclear arsenal on Monday, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that Beijing has committed "unconditionally" to not using or threatening to use its nuclear weapons against nuclear-weapon-free zones. China, which has the world's third-largest nuclear stockpile behind Russia and the U.S., is also one of the dialogue partners of the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone. What People Are Saying China foreign policy expert Nicholas Khoo told AFP: "Since 1980, China's ICBM tests have taken place within Chinese territory. The test is a reminder to regional states that China is a 'full spectrum' power that has economic and military power. It is a peer with the U.S." The Chinese Defense Ministry announced in September 2024: "This [ICBM] test launch is a routine arrangement in our annual training plan. It is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether China will perform another ICBM test launch over the Pacific in the near future. Meanwhile, the U.S. has conducted two ICBM tests so far this year.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
AI For Nuclear Launch Decision Is "True Doomsday Scenario": Study
New Delhi: Using artificial intelligence (AI) to manage nuclear weapon systems poses a catastrophic risk for humanity, the world's top institute on conflict research, SIPRI, has said in its 2025 yearbook. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) cautioned that an automated nuclear weapon launch decision system will lead to a full control of nuclear arsenals by AI, putting humanity at great risk. "We see the warning signs of a new nuclear arms race at a particularly dangerous and unstable moment for geopolitics," SIPRI Director Dan Smith said in the yearbook's introduction, warning about the challenges facing nuclear arms control and the prospects of a new nuclear arms race. "If the decision to launch nuclear weapons is ever fully handed over to AI, we'd be approaching true doomsday scenarios," he said. Nearly all of the nine nuclear-armed nations - the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel - continued intensive nuclear modernisation programmes in 2024, upgrading existing weapons and adding newer versions, the SIPRI report said. Of the total global inventory of an estimated 12,241 warheads in January 2025, about 9,614 were in military stockpiles for potential use. An estimated 3,912 of those warheads were deployed with missiles and aircraft and the rest were in central storage. Around 2,100 of the deployed warheads were kept in a state of high operational alert on ballistic missiles. Nearly all of these warheads belonged to Russia or the US, but China may now keep some warheads on missiles during peacetime, SIPRI said. Russia and the US together possess around 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons, the report said. SIPRI estimates that China now has at least 600 nuclear warheads. China's nuclear arsenal is growing faster than any other country's, by about 100 new warheads a year since 2023. By January 2025, China had completed or was close to completing around 350 new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos in three large desert fields in the north of the country and three mountainous areas in the east. Pakistan also continued to develop new delivery systems and accumulate fissile material in 2024, suggesting that its nuclear arsenal might expand over the coming decade. North Korea continues to prioritise its military nuclear programme as a central element of its national security strategy. SIPRI estimates that the country has now assembled around 50 warheads, possesses enough fissile material to produce up to 40 more warheads and is accelerating the production of further fissile material.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Map Shows World's Nuclear Stockpiles As China Warheads Increase
China is developing nuclear warheads at a faster rate than any other country, as the East Asian nation significantly modernizes and expands its arsenal-making it the world's third-largest nuclear power, behind Russia and the United States, a report by a Swedish think tank said. When asked to comment, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China maintains its nuclear capabilities at a minimum level and implements a self-defensive nuclear strategy, adding that the country "never engages in an arms race." Newsweek has also reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. China is one of nine nuclear-armed states. Besides Russia and the U.S., NATO allies France and the United Kingdom, along with India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel-which does not publicly acknowledge possessing nuclear weapons-possess nuclear arsenals. The report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute comes against the backdrop of China's military buildup-both conventional and nuclear. The Pentagon has warned that China could possess over 1,000 nuclear warheads by the end of the decade. While Beijing has never disclosed the size of its nuclear arsenal, Chinese leader Xi Jinping last year ordered the acceleration of strategic deterrence force development, as the military conducted a rare test launch of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released its annual assessment report on Monday, estimating that as of January, the total worldwide inventory of nuclear warheads stood at 12,241, of which approximately 9,614 were in military stockpiles for potential use by all nuclear powers, while the remaining 2,627 had been retired but not yet dismantled. Russia, which possesses the world's largest nuclear arsenal, has a total of 5,459 warheads, with 4,309 in its military stockpile. The U.S., by comparison, has an estimated 5,177 nuclear warheads in its inventory, of which 3,700 are either deployed or in storage. China's nuclear arsenal has expanded to at least 600 warheads-an increase of 100 in just one year. All of the warheads are considered ready for use, with 24 reportedly deployed. While China is expected to continue expanding its nuclear stockpile over the coming decade, and the maximum projected number of its warheads by 2035 stands at 1,500, the report said this figure amounts to only about one-third of the current Russian and U.S. nuclear arsenals. According to the report, the Chinese military can deliver its nuclear warheads using 20 H-6N bomber aircraft, 72 ballistic missiles launched from submarines, and a total of 712 land-based ballistic missiles of various types-launched either from silos or mobile platforms. Regarding its ICBM force, which has an estimated range of over 3,410 miles, the report assessed that China "had completed or was close to completing" about 350 new ICBM silos across three desert fields in the north of the country and in three mountainous areas in the east. China is refitting its Type 094 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) with longer-range missiles and developing both a new class of SSBN and a new type of nuclear-capable bomber aircraft, further enhancing the country's nuclear triad, according to the report. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute wrote in its latest report on Chinese nuclear capabilities: "China's standard posture since it developed nuclear weapons has been to keep warheads, missiles and launchers separate during peacetime, with procedures in place for loading warheads on to launchers in a crisis. However, there has been considerable speculation in recent years, which continued in 2024, about whether this remains the case." Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference on Monday: "China follows a policy of 'no first use' of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances and has committed unconditionally to not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against nonnuclear weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones." Beijing has rejected Washington's proposal for denuclearization talks, calling it "unfair and unrealistic." The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute warned that arms control regimes have been severely weakened, fueling a dangerous new nuclear arms race. Related Articles Donald Trump Issues Warning to Iran as Israel Violence EscalatesIsrael's Strikes On Iran Were Inevitable | OpinionTrump Eyes 'New Golden Age' for US Nuclear Umbrella on China's DoorstepWho Are the Top Iranian Figures Killed by Israel? 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
