By Sama Marwan,
In April 2025, China conducted its first test of a new type of ammunition — a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb that operates using a compound called magnesium hydride.
According to a report by Russia Today, this compound is a solid powder that stores hydrogen at 1,000 times the density of its normal volume at standard temperature. Upon detonation, it can release large quantities of a hydrogen-oxygen mixture within fractions of a second.
The Test and Its Results
During the test of the 2-kilogram non-nuclear hydrogen bomb, the explosion generated a fireball exceeding 1,000°C, which lasted for more than two seconds — 15 times longer than explosions from traditional TNT-based bombs.
The test was conducted by a team of scientists led by Wang Xiufeng from Research Institute 705, part of China’s state-owned shipbuilding corporation, which also develops underwater weaponry.
The bomb initially detonates using standard TNT explosives, which breaks down the magnesium hydride compound, releasing hydrogen that ignites into an intensely hot cloud capable of melting metal.
Damage Capabilities
For example:
- Aluminum plates lose structural integrity at 600°C.
- Drone materials char at 800°C.
- Electronic devices fail at 400°C.
This means the bomb is capable of destroying internal systems and turning targets into furnaces with extreme localized heat.
The blast pressure of the bomb is only about 40% that of TNT, but its lethal effectiveness lies in its sustained heat, not in the initial shockwave. The thermal energy and duration make it highly effective in:
- Destroying equipment and fortifications.
- Creating denial zones.
- Sustaining a chain thermal reaction as long as fuel is available — increasing the bomb’s destructive capacity.
Strategic Implications
China appears to be heavily investing in this new weapon. It has mastered the production of magnesium hydride, and built a factory capable of producing 150 tons annually, using a safe and low-cost method compared to previous complex techniques.
Advantages of the Non-Nuclear Hydrogen Bomb:
- Capable of destroying sensitive targets like drone swarms, vehicles, tunnels, and bunkers.
- Enables precision strikes with minimal collateral damage compared to conventional bombs.
- Lightweight, making it easy to transport and use across various terrains.
- Causes localized effects without long-term environmental damage.
- Not classified as a nuclear weapon, and not restricted by international treaties, allowing for legal development under current agreements.
- The technology could eventually be used as fuel for submarines and ships.
Potential Risks and Global Concern
- The high heat output may lead to future restrictions on its use due to wide-area damage.
- Military experts believe this new type of munition could reshape battlefield tactics and raise concerns among China’s rivals due to the advanced capabilities of its next-gen weapons.
