Trump announced that the United States will “immediately” resume nuclear weapons testing, saying he’s instructed the Department of Defence (which he referred to as the “Department of War”) to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis” because other countries are allegedly doing so.
He claimed that the U.S. “has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country”, and that Russia is second, China third — though he warned China could catch up in 5 years.
When asked whether the testing would include underground/explosive nuclear tests, he did not rule out the possibility, saying: “You’ll find out very soon … we’re going to do some testing, yeah … if they’re going to do it, we’re going to do it.”
However, the Secretary, Department of Energy clarified the tests planned “will not involve nuclear explosions” (i.e., no full yield nuclear detonation) but rather “system tests … non-critical explosions” of parts/components.
Discussion on the subject with Gaurav Sawant
on India Today TV.
On this special report, the focus is on a potential new global nuclear arms race, with insights from former Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Anil Khosla, and ORF’s Sushant Sarin. The discussion delves into Russia’s new Poseidon ‘doomsday’ torpedo, China’s rapidly growing arsenal, and pronouncements from the US on nuclear testing. Air Marshal Anil Khosla gives his personal view on India’s strategic options, stating, ‘we can always unsheat the Saber, you know, Polish it and may be put it back and that that will suffice to give some signals.’ The programme explores whether these global shifts necessitate a revision of India’s long-standing ‘No First Use’ nuclear policy, especially in the context of persistent threats from nuclear-armed neighbours, China and Pakistan. The panel also analyses whether statements from Washington are mere posturing or signal a significant change in the international dynamic.
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My Article was published on “The EurasianTimes” website on 12 Jul 25.
In April 2025, Chinese researchers made a significant breakthrough in military technology. They successfully tested a non-nuclear hydrogen-based explosive device, a creation of the 705 Research Institute of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). This innovative weapon, which uses magnesium hydride to produce a fireball several times longer than a comparable TNT explosion, is a departure from traditional hydrogen bombs that rely on nuclear fusion. Instead, it employs a chemical reaction to release hydrogen gas, igniting a sustained inferno without radioactive fallout. Initially designed for clean energy applications, this technology’s pivot to military use has sparked global intrigue and concern. Detailed in a paper in the Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance and reported by the South China Morning Post, this development signals a potential shift in modern warfare, raising questions about its strategic, ethical, and geopolitical implications.
The Technology Enabling the Device
At the heart of the device is magnesium hydride (MgH₂). This compound has been extensively studied for its potential in hydrogen storage due to its ability to release hydrogen gas upon heating. The explosive exploits this property by using a controlled chemical reaction to generate and ignite hydrogen gas, creating a fireball that exceeds 1,000°C in temperature and lasts over two seconds. This is 15 times longer than the thermal output of a traditional TNT-based explosive of comparable size. What distinguishes this explosive is its non-nuclear composition. Unlike thermonuclear hydrogen bombs that use nuclear fusion to generate devastating power and radiation, this device relies purely on chemical reactions. This enables intense thermal effects without the political and environmental consequences associated with nuclear weapons.
The sustained heat, lasting over two seconds compared to TNT’s fleeting 0.12-second flash, allows for extensive thermal damage across vast areas. According to CSSC scientist Wang Xuefeng, who led the research, “Hydrogen gas explosions ignite with minimal ignition energy, have a broad explosion range, and unleash flames that race outward rapidly while spreading widely.” This combination enables precise control over blast intensity, making the device suitable for both large-area thermal strikes and targeted attacks on high-value assets, such as communication hubs or fuel depots.
A significant barrier to the practical use of magnesium hydride has been its production. The material’s high reactivity poses risks of spontaneous combustion when exposed to air, historically limiting output to mere grams per day in controlled laboratory settings. However, a breakthrough in 2025 has changed this landscape. A new facility in Shaanxi province, operated by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, now produces 150 tonnes of magnesium hydride annually using a “one-pot synthesis” method. This safer, cost-effective process has overcome previous manufacturing challenges, enabling large-scale production and paving the way for both military and civilian applications. The ability to produce magnesium hydride at such volumes underscores China’s commitment to integrating this technology into its defence strategy.
Strategic Implications of the Device
The CSSC’s 705 Research Institute, renowned for its expertise in underwater weapons such as torpedoes and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), has positioned this device as a versatile tool for modern warfare. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it ideal for integration into various platforms, including drones, precision-guided munitions, and naval systems. Potential applications include the following:-
Precision Thermal Strikes. The device’s prolonged fireball can incinerate logistics hubs, radar installations, or infantry formations, offering tactical flexibility in asymmetric conflicts. Its heat, capable of melting metals, could disable critical infrastructure without the widespread destruction of nuclear weapons.
Area Denial. The sustained thermal effects could create temporary “no-go zones,” denying the enemy access to key routes, disrupting supply lines and communication. It may also serve as a deterrent due to its psychological impact.
Naval Warfare. Integrated into torpedoes or UUVs, the device could deliver devastating heat-based damage to enemy vessels, potentially melting hulls or igniting fuel stores without nuclear fallout. This makes it a strategic asset for maritime dominance.
The device’s non-nuclear nature is a key advantage, as it avoids violating international nuclear treaties while delivering effects comparable to thermobaric weapons, which disperse fuel-air mixtures to create prolonged explosions. Compared to Russia’s TOS-1A “Buratino” rocket launcher, which relies on bulky delivery systems, the Chinese device’s compact design allows deployment via smaller platforms, enhancing its versatility.
Analytical Perspective.
Geopolitical Context. The timing of this test, amid escalating tensions with Taiwan, has amplified global concerns. China’s military modernisation and increased military spending reflect its focus on advanced technologies to assert regional dominance. The South China Morning Post suggests the device could be used in a Taiwan conflict to target underground defences or urban strongholds, drawing parallels to the U.S. Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon’s psychological and tactical impact. By delivering sustained heat to fortified positions, the device could disrupt command centers or incapacitate personnel, potentially shifting the balance in urban warfare scenarios.
Dual Use Approach. The development of the device also aligns with China’s broader strategy of integrating clean energy technologies into its military framework. Magnesium hydride’s potential as a fuel source for submarines or long-endurance drones suggests a dual-use approach, blending civilian innovation with defence applications.
Legal Aspects. The emergence of this technology also presents new challenges for international arms control and humanitarian law. Because the explosive is not nuclear, it may fall outside existing treaties, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) or the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This legal grey area could allow countries to develop and deploy such weapons without violating current international norms.
Ethical and Humanitarian Concerns. While the device avoids nuclear fallout, its similarity to thermobaric weapons raises ethical and legal questions. Thermobaric weapons, known for their devastating effects in urban environments, have faced criticism for causing indiscriminate harm, including severe internal injuries and oxygen depletion. The magnesium hydride device’s ability to produce prolonged, high-temperature fireballs could exacerbate these concerns, particularly if deployed in densely populated areas. Analysts warn that its use in conflicts could spark debates over battlefield ethics, especially given its potential to “fry electronics, melt armour, or torch an area for denial purposes.”
Global Reactions. The international community has reacted with apprehension. The U.S., already bolstering Taiwan’s defences, may view this as a challenge to its regional influence, potentially accelerating the arms race in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, China’s ability to scale up magnesium hydride production suggests that this technology could soon transition from experimental to operational, potentially reshaping military strategies worldwide.
Conclusion
China’s April 2025 test of a magnesium hydride-based explosive marks a critical juncture in military technology. Offering intense, sustained thermal effects without the liabilities of nuclear fallout, this new class of weaponry could redefine how nations conduct precision strikes and deter adversaries. While developed from clean energy research, its adaptation for warfare reveals the dual-use nature of modern scientific advancement. As this technology matures and potentially spreads, it may usher in a new era of warfare, one where energy science meets battlefield strategy, and where the line between conventional and unconventional weapons becomes increasingly blurred.
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Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
References:-
Wang, Xuefeng, et al. “Development and Testing of a Non-Nuclear Hydrogen-Based Explosive Device Using Magnesium Hydride.” Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance, vol. 45, no. 2, April 2025, pp. 123-130.
“China Tests New Hydrogen-Based Explosive with Prolonged Thermal Effects.” South China Morning Post, 15 April 2025,
China State Shipbuilding Corporation. “Annual Report on Research and Development: 705 Research Institute.” CSSC, 2025.
Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. “Breakthrough in Magnesium Hydride Production for Energy and Defence Applications.” Chinese Academy of Sciences, 10 March 2025,
“China’s Defence Budget Rises to USD 249 Billion in 2025.” Global Times, 5 March 2025, www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1304567.shtml.
Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance. (2025). Performance analysis of a hydrogen-based thermal explosive using magnesium hydride.
Li, H., & Zhao, Q. (2024). Dual-use technologies and military innovation in China. Journal of Strategic Studies, 38(2), 98–117.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). (2021). Incendiary weapons and international humanitarian law.
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). (2020). Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and implications for non-nuclear weapon innovations.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international institute researching conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. Based in Stockholm, SIPRI is regularly ranked among the most respected think tanks worldwide.
SIPRI publishes a yearbook recognised as an authoritative source for policymakers, researchers, and the public. The 56th edition of the SIPRI Yearbook 2025, published recently, provides a comprehensive overview of global developments in armaments, disarmament, and international security for 2024.
Key Findings
Global Security. Global security continued to decline in 2024, marked by major armed conflicts in regions such as Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine. These conflicts contributed to heightened geopolitical tensions and increased military activities worldwide.
Military Expenditure. Global military spending reached an all-time high in 2024, marking the ninth consecutive year of increases. Ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and geopolitical tensions drove this rise.
Armed Conflicts and Conflict Management. The Yearbook covers global and regional developments in armed conflicts, peace processes, and peace operations. Specific focus areas include the role of Russian private military and security companies, food insecurity, and climate-related peace and security risks in Yemen. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated into a brief armed conflict in early 2025, highlighting ongoing regional instability.
Arms Production and Trade. International arms transfers and production saw significant developments, influenced by the Russia-Ukraine war and geopolitical rivalries. The Yearbook notes the continued dominance of major arms suppliers like the United States, Russia, France, Germany, and China.
Emerging Technologies and Security The Yearbook examines the international governance of artificial intelligence, cyberspace, and space security, with a focus on autonomous weapon systems. Developments in dual-use and arms trade controls were noted, including updates to the Arms Trade Treaty and multilateral arms embargoes.
Environmental and Humanitarian Concerns. The report highlights the impact of ecological imbalances and climate-related risks, noting that 2023 was the hottest year in 174 years. These factors exacerbate security challenges, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Yemen.
Nuclear Weapons and Risks
All nine nuclear-armed states (the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel) continued modernising their nuclear arsenals, with some expanding their stockpiles.
The global inventory of nuclear warheads is estimated at approximately 12,121, with 9,585 in military stockpiles for potential use. Around 3,904 warheads are deployed on missiles and aircraft, a slight increase from 2023.
China’s nuclear arsenal grew significantly, from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, the fastest expansion among nuclear-armed states. For the first time, China is believed to have some warheads on high operational alert during peacetime.
India expanded its nuclear arsenal to 172 warheads in 2024, surpassing Pakistan (170 warheads) for the first time. Both countries continued developing new delivery systems, with India focusing on longer-range weapons to target China.
North Korea is estimated to have around 50 assembled warheads, with the potential to produce up to 90, and conducted tests of nuclear-capable missiles in 2023.
The decline in global nuclear warhead numbers has slowed, with operational warheads increasing due to modernisation and expansion programs, signalling a potential new arms race.
Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.
Nuclear arms control efforts faced challenges, with limited progress in dialogues involving China, Russia, and the United States. Concerns were raised about Iran’s nuclear program and attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
Conventional arms control weakened, with the collapse of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe and the proliferation of explosive weapons in conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas.
Chemical and biological security threats were addressed, including investigations into alleged weapon use and updates to international legal frameworks.
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