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Satellite Analysis Shows Major Expansion of China’s Missile Production Network

The findings underscore Xi Jinping’s military modernization drive centered on the Rocket Force.

Overview

  • A CNN geospatial review identified about 100 missile-production sites across China, with 65 showing significant enlargement since 2020.
  • From 2020 to 2025, built area at missile-related facilities grew by more than 2 million square meters, with new towers, bunkers and earthworks visible in satellite imagery.
  • Over 60% of 136 missile or Rocket Force sites exhibited expansion, and 22 of 37 Rocket Force bases grew in the past five years.
  • Analysts warn the expanded capacity could support operations to pressure Taiwan through anti-access and area-denial tactics.
  • SIPRI estimates China has added roughly 100 nuclear warheads per year since 2023, as reporting notes U.S. interceptor and munitions strains and the Pentagon declined to comment.