Chinese Military Confirms Test of Game Changing JL-3 Ballistic Missile Capable of Thermonuclear Attacks on the United States

Reports that China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy tested a new JL-3 submarine launched ballistic missile in early June have been confirmed by the Ministry of National Defence. Spokesman Ren Guoqiang stated regarding the launch: “The scientific research and tests were conducted according to plan are normal,” and that the test did not target “any country or specific entity.” Regarding the purpose of the launch, the spokesman stated: “China has always followed a defence policy which is defensive in nature and an active defence military strategy. The development of weapons and equipment is to meet the basic needs of safeguarding China's national security.” The missile test took place in the Bohai Sea, and was the first time the new platform was fired.

The JL-3 is expected to begin replacing the JL-2 onboard China’s ballistic missile submarines from 2020, and its induction comes as part of a wider effort by the PLA to strengthen its nuclear delivery capabilities. The air arm of the PLA's nuclear triad has also been reinforced with new air launched ballistic missiles deployed from H-6 bombers, and with an upcoming new stealth bomber the H-20. The JL-3 represents the second of a new generation of Chinese intercontinental range ballistic missiles, integrating many similar technologies to its land based counterpart the DF-41. The new submarine launched missile is estimated to have a range up to 14,000km, with some sources placing it at 12,000km, and its impact speed of Mach 20 makes it effectively impossible to intercept for even the most sophisticated air defences. The missile carries multiple independent warheads which both multiply its destructive potential and further reduce the chance of interception. The test of the JL-3 was widely interpreted as a warning to the United States amid rising tensions - the cities of which remain well within the range of the thermonuclear armed missile. On the day of the test Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned: “If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military has no choice but to fight at all costs.” He added that if the Washington chose a hostile policy towards China - whether economically or militarily - China would “fight to the end.”