China Examines Missile Production Capacity for Potential Taiwan Conflict
China's military analysis suggests a need for low-cost guided munitions to prepare for large-scale warfare, particularly against Taiwan. The report highlights the U.S. military's shift towards cheaper munitions due to unsustainable costs of precision weapons, evidenced by recent operations.
The PLA is expected to utilize a significant volume of precision-guided munitions in any Taiwan conflict, with a focus on coordinated strikes against critical systems. While China's ballistic missile inventory has grown steadily, reaching around 2,850 missiles by 2023, challenges remain in production capacity.
The state-controlled missile industry, concentrated in a few companies, faces structural and technical complexities that could hinder wartime efficiency. Reports indicate that China's missile arsenal growth may not guarantee sustained combat power in a prolonged conflict, raising questions about its readiness for a potential Taiwan war.
