China Completes Two New Fixed Missile Launch Systems at Jilantai Training Site

China’s military built two new multiple missile launch systems at the Jilantai missile training site east of the city in Inner Mongolia province. Satellite images analyzed in a China Aerospace Studies Institute report identified the fixed launchers, which use multi-cell vertical tubes shorter than those for intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Construction of the launch tubes began in 2022 and was nearly complete by late 2023.

A January satellite image shows the systems finished with closure doors installed. The design supports short-range ballistic missiles, medium-range ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, most of which carry conventional warheads in the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force inventory. The report states the capability would allow rapid preparatory strikes or counter-intervention fires.

It adds that such a system could make PLA leadership more confident in compelling Taiwan and U.S. behaviors during a crisis. Tom Shugart, a military analyst at the Center for New American Security, described the discovery as an important and ominous development.

The launchers suggest the PLARF is preparing to deploy the systems with combat units, the report said. More than 300 ICBM silos were found in 2021 at sites in Yumen, Hami, and Hanggin Banner. China’s military does not distinguish between conventional and nuclear warheads on its missiles, though the report assessed the new launchers as most likely intended for large-scale conventional strikes.