April 19, 2025 – China: Chinese researchers have successfully tested a hydrogen-based explosive device that produces a sustained fireball lasting 15 times longer than conventional TNT blasts, according to a recent study. The test, conducted by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) 705 Research Institute, marks a significant advancement in military technology.
The 2-kilogram bomb generated temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two seconds, without using any nuclear materials. The device relies on magnesium hydride, a solid-state hydrogen storage material that releases hydrogen gas upon activation, triggering a prolonged thermal reaction.
How It Works
When detonated, the magnesium hydride undergoes rapid thermal decomposition, releasing hydrogen gas that ignites into a sustained inferno. The explosion produces minimal ignition energy, allowing flames to spread rapidly across a wide area. Researchers noted that the weapon’s directed energy potential could be used to cover large areas with intense heat or target high-value military assets.
Military Implications
The study revealed that the bomb’s peak overpressure reached 428.43 kilopascals at two meters from the detonation point—about 40% of TNT’s blast force but with a significantly greater heat projection range. The prolonged fireball is capable of melting aluminum alloys, making it a formidable tool for precision destruction.
Future Applications
China has recently ramped up magnesium hydride production, launching a facility in Shaanxi province capable of manufacturing 150 tonnes annually. The material is also being explored for submarine fuel cells and long-endurance drone power systems, signaling broader military applications beyond explosives.
While the study did not disclose specific deployment plans, experts suggest that this technology could reshape modern warfare by integrating clean-energy solutions into military operations.
