Depleted uranium is 0.7 times more radioactive than in its natural form, and has formed the cornerstone of US military tank ammunition in the country’s bid to dominate in conflict. This move started in the 1980s, as Washington’s forces sought to arm its vehicles with the heaviest naturally occurring element on Earth. When the M1 Abrams was first fielded, the US Army had initially launched the vehicle without the deadly addition. In an effort to ensure the vehicle did maximum damage, research began on uranium shells.
The US explored the use of depleted uranium, a byproduct of reactor fuel, as an armour penetrator.
Given it is harder and denser than anything comparable, it can breach through more armour than any other material when travelling at high speeds.
The explosive nature of uranium and steel would cause the element to catch fire upon penetration, causing devastating damage to its target.
As security magazine National Interest highlights, a standard anti armour round for the M60 tank could penetrate 350 millimetres, or 13.7 inches, of steel rolled armour.
A depleted uranium round can penetrate 420 millimetres, equivalent to around 17 inches of armour.
The newest versions of the weapon can penetrate even further into standard armour, although the exact measurements of which remain unknown.
However, it is known that the new tanks pose a threat to Russian vehicles in the event of conflict, and are also likely to feature in future developments of US tanks.
Ground weapons are not the only area in which the US has sought to challenge China and Russia, as it also aims to secure naval dominance amid South China Sea tensions.
In October 2019, the US Navy tested its newest piece of firepower in the waters off Guam in the Pacific.
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It was the biggest military parade in China’s history, with 15,000 soldiers marching while the Ministry of National Defence claimed that 59 different elements of the armed forces were present, on top of the 580 pieces of military equipment rolling through the streets and 160 aircraft flying overhead.
Other weapons unveiled included the latest road-mobile DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry several nuclear warheads and reach as far as the US in just 30 minutes according to reports.
Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded China’s military and asserted that nobody will stop Beijing from achieving its global and political goals.
He said at the time: “No force can ever shake the status of China, or stop the Chinese people and nation from marching forward.”