What's the reason behind China's ICBM silo building spree?
The DF-41, here mounted on a launcher, will also be installed in silos. (Xinhua)
China has been secretively building 120 new silos to house DF-41 ICBMs - to what end?
Satellite imagery has revealed that China has been rapidly constructing no fewer than 120 silos to house intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in landlocked Gansu Province in northwest China.
Major construction kicked off earlier this year at the site that covers hundreds of square miles of desert to the west and southwest of Yumen town. The site is still under construction, and many silos are hidden under 70m-wide inflatable domes to conceal construction details from prying satellites.
The discovery was made by Decker Eveleth, an amateur satellite intelligence analyst using commercially available imagery from Planet. His findings for the James Martin
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
