Saturday, October 18, 2008

Beijing bases nuclear missiles in Tibet


China has deployed strategic nuclear missiles in Tibet, including medium-range systems in Tsonub Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province. The missiles are capable of hitting targets in Russia and Northern India with nuclear warheads, according to the Indian Defence Review.

According to the report, some 60 launch pads for medium-range nuclear ballistic missiles (MRBM) near the cities of Delingha and Da Qaidam were identified.

U.S. China military specialist Hans Kristensen, said of the sites: "The region has long been rumored to house nuclear missiles. But the new analysis reveals a significantly larger deployment area than previously known, different types of launch pads, command and control facilities and missile deployment equipment at a large facility in downtown Delingha."

The missiles in the region are thought to include DF-31s, DF-21s and DF-4s. According to the Indian journal, about 67, out of 121 deployed nuclear missiles, are said to be solid-fueled, 55 per cent versus 36 per cent a few years back.

The journal also stated that China likely has constructed extensive underground military facilities in western China, including missile facilities. Commercial satellite photo shows tent-like structures visible in downtown Delingha apparently used by the missile launch brigade when it deploys to remote launch pads.

RantBurg

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