我国曾时隔44年试射洲际导弹，细节披露

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China's Strategic Missile Forces.

This strategic force, born in the Gobi Desert,

was built from scratch, dedicated to forging a shield,

achieving a leap from nothing to something, from weak to strong,

and from a single model to a combination of nuclear and conventional capabilities,

realizing a leapfrog development.

It has solidified the strategic security foundation of the Republic.

Two whistles, three assessments

The repeatedly backed-up team has finally realized its dream.

Intercontinental missiles are the "ballast" of national strategic deterrence, the "trump card" and "ace" for defending national sovereignty. On September 25, 2024, at 8:44 AM, the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a training simulation warhead into the relevant high seas of the Pacific, accurately landing in the designated maritime area. This marks the first time in 44 years that China has launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific.

Opportunities for live-fire launches of intercontinental missiles across their full range are rare. Senior Sergeant Zhao Jing from a certain brigade of the Rocket Force was a firsthand participant in this launch mission.

On the training ground, Zhao Jing was conducting regular training with his comrades. The two whistles he carried were particularly eye-catching.

Why does the Rocket Force's launch operator have backup whistles? Zhao Jing explained: "Different models of whistles produce different sounds. In long-distance command, special, and emergency situations, we will emit sharp sounds, and using a different whistle is more effective."

During the execution of the 2024 mission, both whistles were used. Zhao Jing said: "That year, we had to move a considerable distance, and the road conditions were quite complex, facing many special and unexpected situations. It was during that mission that one of our launch operators was equipped with two whistles to handle the corresponding situations."

The launch shocked the world, but few know that the successful completion of the mission was achieved by a team that had repeatedly backed up.

Zhao Jing said that they went through three rounds of assessments before finally selecting the launch platform for the live-fire mission. "In the first round of assessments, we ranked second, and many comrades from brother units asked if we would be backed up again this year. In practical operations, we took first place in individual items, but overall we were still second after the first two rounds. The opportunity was so close, and we did not give up, ultimately turning the tide with an absolute advantage to take first place."

After day and night of honing, they finally welcomed their moment of glory on September 25, 2024!

What is it like to launch an intercontinental missile? Zhao Jing said: "When we actually sat in the launch vehicle, there was no tension; everyone was very relaxed. When we saw the launch tube rise, we felt there was no problem! Practice has proven that we completed this live-fire launch mission on time, without a second to spare."

Testing intercontinental missiles after 44 years

The现场照片传递三个重磅信息

This photo was released after the test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile in September 2024. What can be seen from this photo? Military commentator Du Wenlong provided an interpretation:

First, the outdoor conditions indicate that we can launch intercontinental ballistic missiles in any terrain and weather conditions.

Second, the mobile launch shows that a vehicle-mounted mobile method was used, rather than relying on fixed facilities for launch, indicating that we can reach designated locations via roads, railways, and other mobile means to launch missiles and complete a series of combat tasks.

Third, the cold launch process shows that the colors of the smoke in the upper and lower sections are different, with the upper section being lighter and the lower section darker. Cold launch is particularly important for protecting the launch device and ensuring personnel safety, indicating that the Rocket Force's mobile strike capability has reached combat standards.

Source: People's Daily WeChat, compiled from CCTV Military, CCTV-7 "Noon National Defense Military," CCTV-13 "Military Situation Time."