China has launched its new long range missile DF-31-B on 25 September .This is a new variant of its DF-31 series. DF-31B is road mobile, Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) capable of having multiple warheads. This missile is an improved version of its previous missile DF-31 A, which was also road mobile having a range of 10,000 kms,and capabile of mounting 3 warheads. It is believed that DF-31 B is specially designed for rugged terrain thus making it easier to camouflaging it in caves and such remote places. This makes its tracking and detection that much more difficult .China started its missile modernisation programme in the 1990s, and now China has developed all range of missiles making its dream of global precession a reality .In its long range missile section China has, DF 31, DF 31-A and DF 41 along with its other old missiles like DF-4 and DF-5 A.In medium range section China has the dual DF-21s and its Anti-Ship missile DF-21C (supposed to have a manoeuvrable Reentry Vehicle).China also has the largest growing arsenal of cruise missiles in Asia. China is also strengthening its nuclear triad. Its JIN class SSBNs are already operational and within next two to three years it may successfully launch its JL-2 SLBMs. This will make China a powerful adversary not only for India but also for the US, as its DF31-B can target Europe as well as Continent America.
China through its process of informationalisation is already in the process of modernising its C4ISR capabilities and through its hypersonic glide vehicle test, China has declared, that it is serious in abridging the missile gap between US and China .Economic resurgence, has provided China the resources, required for modernising its defence forces. Thus China is progressing holistically, its greatest asset is its increasing indigenisation programme, most of its defence equipment are manufactured in China and as a result it has started exporting arms.
There is a great lesson which India can learn from China. In spite of the indigenisation drive started by India, India still remains the largest importer of arms. Efforts should be to decrease the growing military gap between China and India. For that India needs to accelerate its missile development programme so that the newer missiles are inducted quickly, which can subsequently help in developing a credible nuclear deterrence. The defence indigenisation programme will get a boost if the private sector is encouraged to participate in the development process, and the environment is made conducive for foreign firms to invest in the Indian market. Prime Minister Modi has already started the process by inviting foreign firms to invest in India. The challenge is now with the Indian firms, to capitalize on this initiative.