China's progress in military technology has been quite rapid, and many achievements are rather low-key. On July 12, 2025, the Indian media outlet Eurasia Times reported on a new type of explosive compound developed by China, mainly composed of magnesium hydride, an advanced explosive technology. Its main characteristics include high explosive power and the ability to instantly "suck up" oxygen, having a similar effect to thermobaric weapons. It can consume oxygen within a certain range, so that personnel not killed by the blast wave will face hypoxia.

Screen capture from the Indian media report

The deployment of the new explosive will enrich the killing effects of warheads

Magnesium hydride as a new explosive compound is considered an advanced technology. It is said that in 2002, the United States had already developed it and also developed corresponding cloud explosives, which could be used to counter strong defensive structures, such as underground bunkers and fortresses. However, after that, there was little reporting, and it seems that it never moved from the laboratory to the battlefield.

In April 2025, China mentioned the progress of magnesium hydride explosives in domestic academic publications, but it was referred to as a "non-nuclear hydrogen-based explosive device" in the report. The fireball produced by its explosion lasts several times longer than that of similar TNT explosions. Originally, its explosion method is completely different from that of hydrogen bombs, as it releases hydrogen gas through chemical reactions and then ignites it, forming sustained combustion, thus producing a fireball lasting more than two seconds with a temperature exceeding 1000°C, which is 15 times longer than that of traditional TNT explosives of the same size. Due to the long duration of the attack wave, the power increases, and it is said to have "explosion energy equivalent to 15 times that of TNT," hence the term "non-nuclear hydrogen bomb," which is also the reason for foreign media attention to this technology.

This type of explosive is very suitable for making assault munitions

Previously, the reports emphasized that it would not cause environmental problems, and the products of the explosion are non-toxic and harmless. The key is the impact performance of the weapon. Upon detonation, the center of the explosion will directly vaporize, and those nearby will be destroyed by the blast wave, with a large area of influence. The flame will also spread rapidly outward, covering a wide area. It can also control the intensity of the explosion. For some shallow underground shelters, if detonated around them, the high-temperature fireball can quickly burn the inside through gaps, ventilation openings, etc. It has a good striking effect on electronic equipment and personnel.

As a new type of chemical explosive, there are no restrictions on its use, and it is not bound by existing treaties, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. It can also conveniently produce various explosives, which can be made small and precise, and its cost is low. The main material is metallic magnesium, which is also an advantage, as metallic magnesium is not rare and is relatively easy to obtain.

The "non-nuclear hydrogen bomb" is actually not a nuclear reaction in principle

China has a large amount of magnesium ore, with huge production, and the basic raw materials are not a problem. Of course, this technology also has many challenges. Magnesium hydride material is unstable and prone to chemical reactions. When exposed to air, it has a risk of spontaneous combustion. How to make its state stable and controllable, and safely use, transport, and store it has become a problem. Also, how to mass-produce magnesium hydride is quite complicated.

China has not only solved the technical problems of manufacturing, but also produced it in a safe and economical way, and has formed a certain production capacity, capable of producing 150 tons of magnesium hydride annually. It is currently unclear whether other countries have made breakthroughs in the production technology, as most countries rarely mention related information.

If we can avoid using nuclear weapons, it naturally reduces subsequent losses

The Indian media outlet Eurasia Times believes that the magnesium hydride explosive avoids the use of nuclear weapons, thereby increasing the power of existing conventional weapons, especially when used as a thermobaric weapon. Compared to the rocket launchable projectiles fired by the Russian TOS-1A flamethrower tank, the use of magnesium hydride explosives allows for smaller and more powerful ammunition. It can also be used to strike underground defensive structures, with effects similar to those of the American giant earth-penetrating bomb.

In fact, besides serving as an explosive, magnesium hydride may also become a fuel technology. Originally, it was valued as a hydrogen storage technology and was part of clean energy research. Now, it has been found to have military value. The application space of magnesium hydride is considerable, and its future applications remain to be further explored.

Certainly, the Indian media outlet Eurasia Times cannot help but worry about the so-called "ethical controversy on the battlefield," which may redefine the way of precise strikes and deterrence. Such concerns are unnecessary; it's just an emerging technology, and if it has value, there's no need to refuse its use.

If it can surpass the striking effect of the Russian "flamethrower tank," why not?

China has made a lot of progress in the field of military technology, but tends to keep a low profile, without constantly promoting itself. This is completely different from India's habit of boasting. Now, China's technological level, especially the development level of basic disciplines, has improved significantly, which is the result of decades of accumulation. The current focus is not to catch up, but to surpass.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7526462431866995210/

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