兰德-解放军火箭现代化与中国军事变革（英文）-2018.2-13页

PLA Rocket Force Modernization and China's Military Reforms Summary

Core Content

The PLA Rocket Force, formerly known as the Second Artillery Force, was reorganized and elevated to a full service on December 31, 2015, as part of a broader military reform in China. This reorganization reflects the strategic importance of the Rocket Force in China's military doctrine, particularly in nuclear deterrence and conventional precision strike capabilities. The force is now a central component of China's military modernization and is considered a key pillar of its national security strategy.

Main Tasks and Missions

The Rocket Force is responsible for both nuclear deterrence and conventional strike missions. Its core missions include:

• Deterrence of nuclear attacks against China.
• Conducting nuclear counterattacks and precision strikes with conventional missiles.
• Supporting joint campaigns such as blockades, amphibious landings, and anti-air raids.
• Ensuring information dominance, air superiority, and sea control.

In peacetime, the Rocket Force supports deterrence through public displays such as military parades and exercises. In crisis or conflict scenarios, it may conduct more intense deterrence operations, including warning strikes and raising readiness levels.

Key Modernization Trends

Nuclear Missile Force

• Modernization Drivers: Concerns over U.S. ISR, precision strike, and missile defense capabilities have driven China's nuclear force development.
• Force Structure: Aimed at a "lean and effective" nuclear deterrent, capable of ensuring retaliation after an attack.
• Missile Types: Includes silo-based DF-5A and DF-5B (with MIRVs), road-mobile DF-31 and DF-31A, and the newer DF-31AG ICBM with enhanced mobility and survivability.
• Underground Facilities: China has developed an extensive network of tunnels and underground sites to improve the force's concealment and resilience.

Conventional Missile Force

• Missile Types: Deploys DF-16 (short-range), DF-21 MRBMs, and DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles.
• Range and Accuracy: Emphasis on increasing range, accuracy, and ability to penetrate missile defense systems.
• Deployment: Includes approximately 1,200 short-range ballistic missiles and a number of CJ-10 ground-launched cruise missiles with a range of about 1,500 km.

Future Capabilities

China is developing advanced capabilities to further enhance the Rocket Force's strategic deterrence and conventional strike options:

• DF-41: A new road-mobile ICBM capable of carrying MIRVs.
• Rail-Mobile DF-41: Reports suggest China may also deploy a rail-mobile version.
• Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): Being developed to counter missile defense systems and improve the force's strategic and regional strike capabilities.

Strategic Implications for the United States

The growing capabilities of the PLA Rocket Force pose significant challenges for U.S. extended deterrence and the security of its allies and partners. These include:

• Nuclear Deterrence: The Rocket Force's nuclear capabilities could undermine U.S. willingness or ability to support allies in a crisis.
• Conventional Threats: The force's conventional missile capabilities, especially the DF-26, threaten U.S. military assets, including aircraft carriers and air bases.
• Regional Security: The Rocket Force's development highlights the vulnerability of fixed military installations in potential conflicts involving China.

U.S. Recommendations

To address these challenges, the U.S. should consider the following:

• Invest in Nuclear Deterrence: Modernize and maintain nuclear capabilities to ensure strategic deterrence and reassure allies.
• Multidimensional Deterrence: Use a combination of military and diplomatic actions, including joint exercises, high-level exchanges, and training programs, to demonstrate U.S. commitment to regional security.
• Enhance Force Survivability: Improve the resilience of U.S. and allied forces through undersea warfare, dispersal, hardening, and integrated air and missile defense.
• Adapt Deterrence Strategies: Develop capabilities to operate from dispersed and unexpected locations and counter Chinese C4ISR systems through denial and deception.

Conclusion

The PLA Rocket Force's modernization underscores China's strategic ambitions and its growing military prowess. As it continues to develop advanced nuclear and conventional capabilities, the U.S. must remain vigilant and adaptive in its deterrence and assurance strategies to maintain regional stability and security.