Beijing: China is expanding its missile production network on an unprecedented scale, according to new satellite images and defense analysts. The images show that more than a hundred facilities across the country linked to missile production and the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force have been upgraded or newly built over the past five years.

Experts say around 136 sites are involved, with nearly two thirds showing signs of active construction or expansion. These sites include factories, launch complexes, storage bunkers, and testing areas. Between 2020 and 2025, the total building area of these facilities reportedly grew by more than two million square meters, reflecting China’s growing investment in advanced missile technology.

Many of the new structures are hardened buildings with retractable roofs, large underground bunkers, and improved logistics networks. Such designs indicate a focus on strengthening the survivability and readiness of missile units in case of conflict. Some of these developments have also been observed in the Tibet region near India, where new air defense positions and missile shelters are being built.

Defense experts believe this expansion is part of China’s effort to boost its missile production capacity for both conventional and nuclear systems. The country has been showcasing a new generation of weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles, which can travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound.

Analysts say these changes point to a clear strategic goal: to enhance deterrence and ensure rapid response capabilities. This could have significant implications for regional security, especially in the Indo Pacific, where tensions remain high over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The growth of missile production infrastructure also raises questions about a possible new arms race in the region. As China strengthens its missile forces, neighboring countries and global powers may feel pressured to upgrade their own defense systems.

While China has not officially commented on the findings, international observers are closely monitoring the developments. Many believe the construction of these new facilities shows that Beijing is preparing for a long term modernization of its strategic forces, reinforcing its position as a global military power.