Chapter 442: Blazing Sun, Star-Spangled Country Prepares to Launch Again

"What I am about to tell you is top secret, codenamed 'Blazing Sun'," Li Mingyuan's voice became unusually grave, "This is the type of warhead with the greatest strategic deterrent power that the 'Changfeng' missile can carry."

Colonel Wang immediately understood Li Mingyuan's implication, his expression turning solemn: "A nuclear warhead?"

Li Mingyuan nodded: "Yes. Although our government has always emphasized the peaceful use of nuclear energy, from a strategic perspective, we must possess nuclear deterrent capabilities. The 'Blazing Sun' series are miniaturized, high-efficiency nuclear warheads we designed specifically for the 'Changfeng' missile."

The screen displayed a simple spherical device: "This is the 'Blazing Sun-1' model, adopting a fission design with an explosive yield of 20 kilotons of TNT and weighing about 600 kilograms. This relatively miniaturized design allows the 'Changfeng' missile to carry effective nuclear strike capability without sacrificing range."

Li Mingyuan switched to another blueprint: "This is the 'Blazing Sun-2' model, adopting an enhanced fission design with an explosive yield of 50 kilotons of TNT. Its feature is that the burst altitude is adjustable; it can choose between a ground burst or an air burst according to the target type to achieve maximum lethality."

He switched to a third blueprint: "Finally, there is the 'Blazing Sun-3' model, which is a miniaturized hydrogen bomb design with a theoretical yield reaching 200 kilotons of TNT. Considering the 'Changfeng' missile's precision guidance capability, this level of explosive power is already sufficient to destroy any strategic target."

Colonel Wang was silent for a moment, then asked: "How is the research and development progress of these nuclear warheads?"

Li Mingyuan answered cautiously: "The theoretical design is complete, and key materials and components are being prepared. If the central authorities decide to push forward with full force, it is expected that the prototype test for the 'Blazing Sun-1' can be completed within two years, the 'Blazing Sun-2' within three years, and the 'Blazing Sun-3' within four to five years."

He added: "It must be emphasized that nuclear warhead R&D is an independent, top-secret project, conducted separately from the R&D of the 'Changfeng' missile itself. Even within the 'Changfeng' program, only a very small number of people know of the existence of the 'Blazing Sun' series."

Colonel Wang thought for a while, then said: "This nuclear deterrent capability, combined with the 'Changfeng' missile's precision guidance and penetration capabilities, will completely change the strategic balance."

"That is exactly so," Li Mingyuan confirmed, "This is why the 'Changfeng' program is so important. It is not just a weapon, but a strategic deterrent, a key force for safeguarding national security."

After the security level returned to normal, Li Mingyuan displayed the final set of blueprints—these were future warhead designs still in the conceptual stage.

"Besides the five main warhead types above, we are also researching several cutting-edge concepts," Li Mingyuan explained, "These may be realized within three to five years, providing the 'Changfeng' system with more diverse strike options."

He displayed the first concept: "This is the 'Plasma' warhead, utilizing high-energy plasma to generate extremely high temperatures, which can instantly melt metal and concrete. It is mainly used for destroying specially protected facilities and armored targets."

"This one is the 'Void' warhead, based on the fuel-air explosive principle, releasing special fuel in the target area and then detonating it to produce powerful shockwaves and high temperatures, especially suitable for clearing light facilities and personnel over large areas."

"And this 'Ghost' warhead; it does not carry conventional explosives, but is loaded with a large number of micro-jamming devices. After being released over the target area, these devices disperse and fall, attaching themselves to various facilities to cause long-term interference with electronic equipment and communication systems, creating continuous chaos."

Colonel Wang listened, enthralled: "These concepts... simply transcend current military technological imagination."

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "Science has no boundaries, and our imagination should not have boundaries either. Only by constantly breaking through the limits of existing technology can we maintain the lead in future military competition."

Inside the office, Li Mingyuan and Minister Zhang were alone, reviewing the technical briefing that had just taken place.

"Those warhead designs... can they really be realized?" Minister Zhang asked, his eyes full of admiration and a hint of disbelief.

Li Mingyuan nodded confidently: "The vast majority can; some are even simpler than what I described. The key lies in a shift in thinking; do not let your mind be restricted by existing technical frameworks."

He walked to the window and looked at the distant mountains: "The warhead system may seem like just a part of the 'Changfeng' program, but in reality, it represents our strategic way of thinking. Through diverse warhead designs, we are not only seeking destructive power, but also pursuing strategic flexibility and deterrent effects."

Minister Zhang was thoughtful: "You are right. With these different types of warheads, the 'Changfeng' missile is not just a weapon, but an all-encompassing strategic system."

"Exactly," Li Mingyuan nodded, "From conventional warheads that destroy specific military targets, to EMP warheads that paralyze entire electronic systems, to the ultimate deterrent of nuclear warheads, we have built a complete strategic strike echelon."

He turned around, his eyes flashing with a firm light: "This is the true value of the 'Changfeng' program—it is not just a technological breakthrough, but a revolution in strategic thinking. By using one vehicle to achieve multiple strategic goals, we obtain the greatest deterrent effect at the minimum cost."

Minister Zhang took a deep breath: "If these warhead systems and the 'Changfeng' missile can all be successfully developed, the international status of Long Country will be completely changed."

"Not 'if', but 'when'," Li Mingyuan corrected, his tone full of firmness, "We will definitely succeed, because we have no other choice. Only by mastering this strategic deterrent capability can Long Country truly master its own destiny and gain the respect and status it deserves on the international stage."

Star-Spangled Country, Pentagon Underground Command Center

"Gentlemen, please be seated."

Intelligence Agency Director Henry Foster walked into the special conference room with a livid expression, followed by a team of serious-looking technical experts. The room was already filled with high-ranking generals from the Pentagon and members of the National Security Council, the atmosphere so heavy it felt as if the air were about to solidify.

"I have summoned you all here because we have finally confirmed the true reason for the continuous failures of our satellite launches over the past few months." Foster did not waste words, cutting straight to the point, "Doctor Brown, please show everyone our findings."

Chief technical expert Doctor Brown stepped forward, pulling up a series of complex charts and data to project onto the conference room's large screen.

"After a thorough analysis of the final data transmitted back from the failed 'Explorer' rockets, we discovered a shocking fact." Doctor Brown's voice trembled slightly, "All failures were caused by an external, high-precision jamming signal; this signal has a very specific characteristic pattern."

He switched to the next chart, which displayed a set of waveforms. "This is the spectral analysis of the jamming signal. Through comparison and reverse engineering, we determined the source of the signal—it comes from an object in orbit."

The conference room fell into dead silence.

"Simply put," Doctor Brown took a deep breath, "Long Country's 'Dongfang No. 1' satellite has been systematically and purposefully jamming our rocket launches. This is not an accident, not a technical malfunction, but a meticulously planned electronic warfare operation."

Defense Secretary Maxwell slammed his hand on the table, causing his coffee cup to jump and coffee to spill across the table. "How dare they! An agricultural country that just crawled out of a civil war actually dares to carry out such blatant hostile acts against the Star-Spangled Country!"

"Could it be a misjudgment?" National Security Advisor Warren tried to remain calm, "Perhaps it is just a coincidence?"

Doctor Brown shook his head: "The probability is almost zero. Please look at this." He pulled up a comparison chart of orbital parameters, "This is the precise position of 'Dongfang No. 1' when our launches failed, which perfectly matches the direction of the jamming signal. More importantly, we analyzed the technical characteristics of the jamming signal and found that they are specifically designed for the frequencies and coding of our rocket guidance systems, possessing extremely high targeting precision. This is by no means accidental, but an attack calculated with precision."

Defense Secretary Maxwell's face turned from red to purple: "That damn Li Mingyuan! It must be him! This so-called 'genius' who suddenly popped up!"

He grabbed the crystal ashtray on the table and smashed it hard against the wall, shards scattering everywhere. "I demand immediate military sanctions against Long Country! Destroy their satellites! Let them know the consequences of provoking the Star-Spangled Country!"

"Calm down, General." Intelligence Agency Director Foster signaled for him to sit down, "The problem is, we have no direct evidence that can be made public."

"What do you mean no evidence?" Maxwell roared, "Didn't you just show all the technical analysis?"

Intelligence Analysis Chief Colonel Wilson sighed: "The technical analysis can only show that the interference originated from the position of the 'Dongfang No. 1' satellite, but we have no evidence to prove that this is an intentional act by the Long Country government. We have not intercepted any command information, we possess no internal documents, and we don't even have a single spy or defector who can testify."

"From the perspective of international law," State Department Advisor Thompson added, "these technical analyses would not hold up at all in an international court. As long as Long Country insists that it was 'equipment failure' or 'natural electromagnetic interference', we would be unable to refute it."

"The most fatal thing is," Foster gave a bitter smile, "Long Country's current image internationally is that of a 'pioneer in the peaceful use of space'. If we publicly accuse them without ironclad proof, it will only make us look like sore losers who are slandering them."

The conference room fell into silence, with powerlessness and humiliation written on everyone's faces.

"So we can only sit here and let a third-rate country slap us in the face?" Maxwell growled in a low voice.

"No," Special Advisor to the President Hawkins finally spoke, "We must successfully launch our own satellite, and as soon as possible. The technical department has already proposed a comprehensive anti-jamming plan, including multi-frequency encryption, signal enhancement, and orbital adjustments. The cost is enormous, but we have no other choice."

Foster nodded: "The President has already approved this plan. 'Explorer 2' will be launched in two weeks, and we will adopt the most rigorous anti-jamming measures in history."

"Furthermore," Hawkins added, "we will strengthen intelligence gathering on Long Country, especially on Li Mingyuan. There are too many mysteries surrounding this person; we must get to the bottom of his background."