The defense community was stunned this month by the revelation that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has tested a Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) with a maneuverable hypersonic re-entry vehicle capable of delivering a nuclear warhead. Assuming that the test did in fact occur as reported, a claim which the PRC has denied, this would represent a significant technological leap in the PRC’s nuclear capability. Combined with reports that the Chinese have been rapidly constructing additional ICMB silos, a shift in the PRC’s doctrine away from “No First Use” may be occurring at this time.
**This article does not represent the views of the United States Air Force Academy, Air Force, or Space Force.**
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