China has developed a prototype electric heavy-duty vehicle that could serve as a mobile launcher for intercontinental ballistic missiles, marking a potential shift in missile deployment technology, according to Chinese researchers.
The fully electric platform was unveiled in Beijing in December and was developed in under two years under a national research program led by Tsinghua University.
China builds world-first crab-walking electric #ICBM mobile launcher prototypehttps://t.co/858MzE3pe6
— @PrivateBriefing (@PrivateBrief) December 29, 2025
Researchers say the vehicle’s near-silent operation, low heat signature, and modular design would improve survivability and stealth during launch operations.
Unlike traditional missile transporters, the prototype allows each wheel to operate independently. This enables crab-like lateral movement, tight center turns, and improved performance in rugged or confined terrain.
Chinese ICBM launchers disguised as mobile civilian cranes pic.twitter.com/fOSO5ps762
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) December 29, 2025
Developers say the design overcomes key mobility limits of conventional launch vehicles.
The vehicle can be scaled by adding or removing wheel modules, allowing it to carry missiles or other oversized payloads.
Chinese experts say the technology could reshape military logistics and future aerospace transport.
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TIPP Staff
