SOURCE: AFI
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force, a critical component of China’s strategic deterrence, has reportedly amassed an extensive arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles. With over 1,300 Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs), 500 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), 250 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs), and a formidable stockpile of Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs) and Ground-Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCMs), the scale and diversity of this arsenal have significant strategic implications for India.
The PLA Rocket Force’s MRBM arsenal poses a direct threat to India’s critical military and industrial infrastructure. These missiles, with ranges between 1,000–3,000 km, are capable of targeting Indian cities, command centers, and military installations with high precision.
India’s current missile defense capabilities, including the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program, may struggle to counter the sheer volume and diversity of China’s arsenal. Multiple warheads (MIRVs) and decoy systems in ICBMs and MRBMs could overwhelm existing defenses.
IRBMs and ICBMs, such as the CSS-18 Mod 1/2/3 and CSS-10 Mod 2/3, can target not only Indian territory but also its allies and assets across the Indo-Pacific. This capability enhances China’s coercive power in the region.
China’s SRBM inventory, particularly the CSS-6 Mod 3 and CSS-7 Mod 1/2, gives it a significant edge in limited conventional conflicts. These missiles can be used to deliver quick and devastating blows to Indian forces stationed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The CJ-10 and CJ-10A GLCMs, with ranges exceeding 1,500 km, present a low-altitude threat, complicating India’s air defense efforts. These systems can be launched from concealed positions, making them harder to detect and neutralize.
Overview of the Arsenal
1. ICBMs (Range >5,500 km)
- CSS-10 Mod 1/2/3
- CSS-4 Mod 2/3/4
- CSS-20 and Silo-Based Missiles
2. IRBMs (Range 3,000 km – 5,500 km)
- CSS-18 Mod 1/2/3
3. MRBMs (Range 1,000 km – 3,000 km)
- CSS-5 Mod 2/4A/5A/5B
- CSS-11 Mod 2/3
- CSS-22
4. SRBMs (Range 300 km – 1,000 km)
- CSS-6 Mod 3
- CSS-7 Mod 1/2
- CSS-11 Mod 1
5. GLCMs
- CJ-10 and CJ-10A (>1,500 km range)
In conclusion, China’s expanded missile inventory significantly alters the strategic landscape for India. It necessitates not only a military response but also a strategic reevaluation of how India manages its defense policies, international relations, and national security in the face of this evolving threat.