As the Outer Space Treaty prohibited the weaponisation of space, the technology was named the FOBS in view of the fact that the nuclear weapons revolving in orbit do not make a full orbit before they hit the target.15 Although the technology is old, what is new is the fact that China has wedded it with the hypersonic glide vehicle. [...] Charles Flynn, Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific, declared the US’ intentions to deploy the land-based Tomahawks (2500km) and SM-6s (370km) missiles in the Indo-Pacific.25 He also sounded the possibility of deployment of the Army’s Precision Strike Missiles, which has a range of upwards of 22 Ibid. [...] The Chinese security mandarins perceive the superior conventional capabilities of the US as a threat to China’s strategic deterrent.30 Tactical Nuclear Weapons In addition to strengthening conventional capabilities, there is a talk in the US strategic circles about the development of low-yield tactical nuclear weapons. [...] One of the clauses of the Act empowers the US president ‘to inform the Congress promptly of threats to the security or the social or economic system of the people on Taiwan, and any danger to the United States interests arising from such threats. [...] The character of the arsenal is changing with the diversification of all three legs of the triad.
Authors
- Pages
- 10
- Published in
- India
Table of Contents
- CHINAS NUCLEAR ARSENAL AN ASSESSMENT 2
- Introduction 2
- Key Developments 2
- Hypersonic Weapons 2
- CHINAS NUCLEAR ARSENAL AN ASSESSMENT 3
- Fractional Orbital Bombardment System FOBS 3
- CHINAS NUCLEAR ARSENAL AN ASSESSMENT 4
- Increasing Nuclear Arsenal 4
- Nuclear Posture Debate 4
- CHINAS NUCLEAR ARSENAL AN ASSESSMENT 5
- Drivers behind Changing Nuclear Profile 5
- The US Improved Conventional Capabilities 5
- CHINAS NUCLEAR ARSENAL AN ASSESSMENT 6
- Tactical Nuclear Weapons 6
- CHINAS NUCLEAR ARSENAL AN ASSESSMENT 7
- Taiwan 7
- CHINAS NUCLEAR ARSENAL AN ASSESSMENT 8
- Great Power Status 8
- What It Means for India 8
- CHINAS NUCLEAR ARSENAL AN ASSESSMENT 9
- An Assessment 9
