The mainland Chinese government is camouflaging nuclear missile launchers as construction cranes. Up close, you can figure out what they are. The point is to foil long-distance observation and automated recognition (Defense Express, December 29, 2025).
China has been observed disguising its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers from the Dongfeng family as large yellow construction cranes, in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to conceal the movement and deployment of its strategic nuclear forces. Visual evidence of such camouflage has emerged from multiple locations, suggesting the practice is not isolated but systematic.
The primary objective of this deception is likely to complicate external assessments of China’s nuclear posture, particularly estimates of the number and positioning of its mobile ICBM launchers. The disguise is designed to be effective primarily against satellite surveillance and long-distance observation rather than close-range inspection….
Another likely objective is to complicate automated detection by image-recognition algorithms and artificial intelligence systems. These tools are heavily dependent on training datasets, and globally, most construction machinery is indeed yellow [rather than green, as construction cranes tend to be in China], increasing the likelihood that disguised launchers could be misclassified as civilian equipment.
At close range…the vehicle can be clearly identified as covered equipment, with dark green elements of the missile launcher visible beneath the outer shell. This covering could likely be removed quickly if the system were required for operational use.
The Chinese military has also camouflaged launchers so that they blend in with forests. If we want a good idea of China’s strategic arsenal, “careful scrutiny and verification of visual data” are essential.
