Jinglei-1 appearing in the strategic nuclear missile formation indicates what issues? This is not a formation that anyone can join.

In the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, a notable change was the first appearance of an air-based strike force in the strategic nuclear missile formation. "Jinglei-1", as a new equipment, was reviewed alongside nuclear missiles such as Dongfeng-5C and Julang-3, marking the completion of the final piece of China's three-dimensional nuclear deterrence system.

This formation order has significant symbolism - it means that "Jinglei-1" not only possesses strategic-level strike capabilities but also holds equivalent deterrent value to land-based and sea-based nuclear weapons.

For a long time, air-based nuclear strikes have been the weakest link in China's nuclear force system.

In contrast, the United States relies on B-52H and AGM-86B, and B-21 with LRSO programs, while Russia has Tu-160 and Kh-102 series, all of which have deployed mature air-based nuclear cruise strike capabilities.

China previously only had the H-6K equipped with KD-20 cruise missiles, which could perform long-range strike missions, but its range, speed, and penetration capabilities are far from comparable to strategic nuclear missiles.

This time, "Jinglei-1" was directly included in the strategic nuclear missile formation, indicating that it has been incorporated into the national strategic nuclear counterattack system, and is regarded as a core weapon with the capability for retaliatory nuclear strikes, rather than a conventional missile for tactical use.

This also indirectly confirms the real identity of "Jinglei-1," which is likely an air-launched ballistic missile, rather than a regular cruise missile.

Because only ballistic missiles possess sufficient speed, penetration capabilities, and nuclear delivery efficiency to be eligible to be listed alongside intercontinental missiles in the strategic missile formation.

The deployment of such air-launched ballistic missiles is extremely difficult, and no country has publicly equipped them so far.

During the Cold War between the US and the USSR, they both tried, but due to technical challenges such as ignition control, thermal protection, and re-entry trajectory, they ultimately chose safer and more mature cruise missile solutions.

The emergence of "Jinglei-1" represents the maturity and evolution of China's nuclear strategy.

Adding air-launched ballistic nuclear missiles to land-based and submarine-launched missiles significantly enhances mobility and penetration methods, posing multiple sources of threats to the enemy's nuclear early warning systems, thus fundamentally changing the strategic balance.

Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1842216235181068/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.