EPISODE #009: CHINA LAUNCHES AN "INVISIBLE" MISSILE — AND DOES IT IN PLAIN SIGHT

Northern China, August 2025

Amid escalating global tensions, China conducted a test of a new ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle. But this was not a covert test. It was a public strategic gesture.

Footage spread through commercial satellites and eyewitnesses shows: the missile launches from a ground-based platform, reaches space — and then the second stage ignites in the dense layers of the atmosphere, accelerating the warhead on the final leg of its trajectory. This was not done by accident. This is a demonstration of control over a new type of weapon that does not follow the old rules.

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Why This Is Not Just "Another Launch"

🔹 1. Trajectory as a Weapon

The missile used a non-standard trajectory — possibly partially orbital or "boost-glide." This allows:

• Bypassing missile defense radars along an unpredictable arc
• Reducing the enemy's reaction time to less than 5 minutes
• Striking targets from any direction — even from the "rear" side of a continent

🚀 TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS 🎯

Non-ballistic path | Hypersonic glide | Unpredictable approach

🔹 2. Hypersonic + Ballistic = New Threat Class

The hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) does not fly in a parabolic trajectory. It maneuvers at speeds above Mach 5, changing course and altitude. Current missile defense systems — THAAD, Aegis, GMD — are not designed for such targets.

🔹 3. Beijing Didn't Hide — It Showed

Unlike previous tests conducted in secrecy, this time the video appeared in the public domain. This is not a leak. This is an intentional leak.

China is telling the world:

"You see what we can do. Now decide if you want to provoke us."

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Who's in the Line of Fire?

• Guam — within range even at medium distances
• Japan and South Korea — under threat of conventional strike without escalating to nuclear war
• USA — their early warning systems may fail to recognize the threat in time

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What's Next?

Expect:

• New "public" tests — now this is part of the deterrence doctrine
• Integration of HGV into DF-17, DF-26, and even DF-41
• Countermeasures from the U.S. and NATO: accelerated development of hypersonic intercept systems (e.g., Glide Phase Interceptor)

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Conclusion:

China no longer tests weapons in silence.

It launches them in front of its enemies — as a reminder:

A new era of warfare has already begun.

And in it, altitude doesn't matter.

What matters is who controls the trajectory of chaos.

— the choice is yours ⥣

France has launched the production of a new M51.4 nuclear missile — further, more precisely, invulnerable

What's new in M51.4 — Range, accuracy, Deception PRO

France has officially launched mass production of the upgraded M51.4 strategic missile. This is not just an upgrade, it is the next step in the development of its independent nuclear deterrent. The missile was created by ArianeGroup and is designed to arm future third—generation nuclear submarines, the SNLE-3G.

The main improvements are increased range, increased accuracy of hitting and advanced means of overcoming missile defense systems (ABM). It is expected that the M51.4 will be able to fly confidently beyond 9,000 km and at the same time accurately hit targets, even if modern radars and interceptors are deployed around them.

ArianeGroup and €7.5 billion for strategic deterrence

The development and production of the M51.4 is part of a large—scale program estimated at 7.5 billion euros. All engineering work is carried out by ArianeGroup, a key player in the French space and defense industries. This is not only a matter of technology, but also of sovereignty: France does everything on its own, without dependence on other countries.

Such investments show that the nuclear shield remains an absolute priority for Paris.

For new third generation submarines

The M51.4 will be in service with the new SNLE-3G submarines, which will replace the current Le Triomphant-class fleet. These boats will become quieter, more autonomous and more technologically advanced. And together with the M51.4, they will provide France with the opportunity to keep warheads in the ocean — always ready, always invulnerable.

A submarine with such missiles can spend years on covert patrol, remaining the main trump card in strategic calculations.

Why France is not lagging behind in the nuclear technology race

While other countries are also modernizing their arsenals, France is consistently following its own path. The M51.4 is not a response to a specific threat, but part of a long—term strategy: to be able to inflict "unacceptable damage" on any aggressor, wherever it may be.

It's not about the war. It's about not having a war.

Sources

1. Building-Tech.org — M51.4 ICBM: >11 000 km range, high accuracy, ABM-evasion, SNLE-3G fit, €-billion programme
2. UNIAN.net — France launches M51.4 development, €7.5 bn cost, longer range & improved ABM penetration
3. Armiya.az — M51.3/4 roadmap, MIRV payload and technical specs
4. Integral-Russia.ru — Evolution of French nuclear doctrine and M51 warhead options
5. Flot.com — Production start date for M51.4 announced
6. Overclockers.ru — M51.4 development overview and future prospects
7. ProGuns.ru — Details on the new French intercontinental ballistic missile M51.4
8. Interfax — Official: new-generation SLBMs to arm SSBNs starting late 2025

India has successfully tested an Agni-5 ballistic missile capable of delivering a warhead to any region of China.

Successful launch of Agni-5 rocket in Odisha

On Wednesday, India successfully tested its longest—range ballistic missile, the Agni-5. The launch was carried out from a test site on the island of Abdul Kalam (formerly Veli) in the state of Odisha, located on the east coast of the country. According to the Ministry of Defense, the missile "confirmed all operational and technical parameters," which indicates the high accuracy and reliability of the system.

The test was conducted as part of India's strategic forces modernization program and underscores its desire to strengthen its nuclear capabilities in the face of growing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Technical characteristics and flight range

The Agni-5 is a solid—fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of about 5,000-5,500 kilometers, which allows it to reach anywhere in China, including its eastern provinces and the capital Beijing. The rocket has a length of about 17 meters, a diameter of 1.3 meters and a launch weight of about 50 tons.

It is equipped with an inertial navigation system and satellite control, which ensures high accuracy when hitting targets. The Agni-5 is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead weighing up to 1.5 tons and can be launched from both a mobile launcher and mine complexes, which increases its survivability and stealth.

Strategic importance for India's defense

The introduction of the Agni-5 into service will be an important milestone in the development of India's triad of nuclear forces (land, submarine and air components). The missile fills a critical gap in the country's ability to strike back at long range, especially with regard to China, with which India maintains tense relations over the border in the Himalayas.

Agni-5 is considered as a key element of the deterrence strategy. Its mobility, range and accuracy make it an effective tool for maintaining the balance of power in the region and demonstrating India's technological independence in developing defense systems.

Reaction to the geopolitical situation in Asia

The Agni-5 test comes amid increased Chinese military activity in the South China Sea, the growth of its nuclear arsenal, and the strengthening of military ties with Pakistan, India's traditional rival. The presence of a missile capable of reaching strategic targets in China strengthens New Delhi's position in diplomatic and military negotiations.

At the same time, India stresses its policy of "minimal deterrence," stating that its nuclear forces are purely defensive in nature. Nevertheless, the successful Agni-5 trials signal that the country is ready to defend its interests at a new technological level.

South Korea is testing ballistic missiles for KF-21 fighter jets

South Korea is actively working on the development of air-launched ballistic missiles, which has become part of a large-scale program to strengthen its strike aircraft. The goal of the development is to be able to deliver precision air strikes against strategically important targets.

In parallel, work is underway on specialized weapons designed to destroy the enemy's energy infrastructure. Such weapons can be used to disable key energy supply facilities, which reduces the combat capability of enemy forces.

Special attention is being paid to the integration of the new missile with the fifth-generation multirole fighter KF-21 Boramae, being developed by South Korean engineers. If the tests are successfully completed, the missile can be installed on board these aircraft, significantly expanding their combat capabilities.

The implementation of the program will strengthen South Korea's strategic defense power and enhance its ability to respond to threats on the Korean peninsula.

"Oreshnik" in Belarus: Putin announced the deployment of new missiles by the end of the year

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that mass production and deployment of the new Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile in Belarus will begin by the end of 2025. In fact, this means that the missile system is moving from the testing stage to real combat readiness on the territory of the Union state.

Based on the analysis and information leaks, the Oreshnik is most likely not a new missile from scratch, but a production version of an existing system, the RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile. The development of the Frontier was completed even before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. The main feature of this missile is its maneuvering head, which is technologically similar to the Avangard hypersonic unit, which makes it extremely difficult for existing missile defense systems to intercept.

The main target of this deployment is the NATO countries. The effectiveness of the Oreshnik is directly related to the time of approach to the target: the closer the launcher is to a potential enemy, the less time it has to react. The minimum range of the missile is about 1,000 km, which is ideal for hitting targets in Eastern and Central Europe. Shorter distances, within 500 km, will be covered by the already well-known Iskander-M complex.

Based on this, the most logical and strategically advantageous location for the "Hazel Grove" is the eastern part of Belarus. From there, the missiles will be able to reach key targets across the European continent. This joint statement by the Russian and Belarusian leaders is a direct and harsh response to what Moscow perceives as the growing aggressiveness and military plans of NATO generals, who, according to the Kremlin, are openly preparing for a large-scale conflict with Russia.

Iran launches Fattah-1 hypersonic missile at Israel: a new era in ballistic technology

 

Fattah-1

Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Tehran has demonstrated a new achievement of its defense industry — the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile, fired directly at Israeli territory. This event was an important step in the development of Iranian military technology and raised concerns among a number of countries, especially those with experience in dealing with regional threats.

The Fattah-1 missile is a medium-range hypersonic weapon designed specifically to overcome modern missile defense systems such as the Israeli Iron Dome and Arrow. Its length is 12 meters, and the maximum flight range is up to 1400 kilometers, which allows it to hit targets at a considerable distance from the territory of Iran.

A special feature of the Fattah-1 is its equipment with a hypersonic gliding warhead (HGV) capable of speeds up to 17,900 km/h — almost  Mach 15. Such speed and maneuverability make intercepting a missile an extremely difficult task even for the most advanced missile defense systems.

The rocket is powered by a single-stage solid-fuel engine, which ensures rapid launch readiness and reduces dependence on complex infrastructure. A warhead weighing 200 kg of explosives is installed on board, which can be adapted to various types of targets, from stationary objects to mobile strategic hubs.

The telling moment was not only the test itself or the use of the system, but also the fact that Iran made a statement about its ability to bypass the most advanced air and missile defense technologies. This raises new questions for the international community regarding the effectiveness of current security systems and the possible proliferation of hypersonic technologies.

Although experts still disagree about the actual combat effectiveness of the Fattah-1, the very fact of its use indicates that hypersonic weapons are becoming an increasingly accessible and dangerous element of the global military landscape.

France is exploring the possibility of creating an intermediate-range ballistic missile

France is considering the possibility of developing a new medium-range land-based ballistic missile capable of hitting targets at a distance of more than 1,000 km. Technical specifications are currently being developed for a new ballistic missile with a conventional (non-nuclear) warhead, which will serve as a means of non-nuclear deterrence and long-range destruction of enemy targets.

The decision to develop the missile was made after analyzing the effectiveness of ballistic missiles used in conflicts around the world, including the Russian Oreshnik missile. The new missile should have the ability to maneuver during the final stage of flight, which will make it difficult for air defense systems to intercept it.

The French Ministry of Defense is currently looking for a budget to launch this project. The development of the missile should surpass the range of the American tactical missile PrSM.

North Korea conducted simulated nuclear strike exercises in response to an external threat

The Korean People's Army has launched a series of large-scale exercises aimed at practicing actions on the use of nuclear weapons in response to military aggression against the country. During the maneuvers, KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles were used, which were used to simulate nuclear strikes on targets located at a distance of up to 800 kilometers.

The KN-23 missile system, designed specifically to defeat tactical and operational targets, is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. According to analysts, it can also potentially be equipped with chemical weapons delivery systems, which makes it a versatile and dangerous element of the DPRK's strategic forces.

In addition to ballistic missiles, 600-mm multiple launch rocket systems KN-25 took part in the exercises, providing high-density fire support and capable of delivering massive strikes against front-line targets.

Special attention was paid to the testing of a new system called  "nuclear trigger" — the mechanism of management and control of North Korea's nuclear arsenal. It is assumed that this system ensures the rapid and coordinated deployment of nuclear forces in the event of a threat from external adversaries.

Such actions by the DPRK demonstrate the growing technological maturity of its military program and efforts to consolidate the status of a nuclear power, despite international sanctions and pressure.

The United States has assigned the designation "KN-35" to North Korea's newest short-range missile

The United States has officially assigned the designation "KN-35" to the latest short-range ballistic missile (CRBM) developed by North Korea. This information was confirmed by South Korean military sources and caused a wide response in the international community. The KN-35 becomes the first missile in this category introduced by the DPRK since the introduction of the KN-23, KN-24 and KN-25 series.

At the moment, the exact characteristics of the new missile remain classified, but experts suggest that the KN-35 may be an improved version of previously developed models. The KN-23, KN-24 and KN-25 family of missiles have already proven themselves to be highly accurate systems with the ability to maneuver on the flight path, which makes it difficult for anti-missile systems to intercept them.

The KN-35 is likely to be equipped with improved guidance technology, increased range, and increased warhead power. This makes it an even more formidable tool in the DPRK's arsenal.

The designation "KN-35" highlights the United States' focus on the development of North Korea's military technology. According to analysts, this missile may become part of the DPRK's strategy to strengthen its defensive and offensive power in the region. Its appearance increases tensions on the Korean peninsula and poses new challenges to the missile defense systems of South Korea, Japan and the United States.

 South Korea and the United States are actively strengthening their intelligence and defense cooperation to counter potential threats. At the same time, the United Nations and other international organizations are calling on the DPRK to stop testing ballistic missiles that violate Security Council resolutions.

The development of the KN-35 demonstrates the DPRK's ability to innovate technologically, despite economic sanctions and isolation. It also shows that the country continues to invest significant resources in the development of its armed forces, especially in the field of ballistic technology.

The appearance of the KN-35 raises new questions about the future of security in the Asia-Pacific region. The strengthening of the DPRK's military potential may provoke an arms race, which will create additional risks to stability in the region. Experts believe that the international community should take measures to de-escalate tensions and resume dialogue with Pyongyang.