So, are there no flight launches, test launches and training launches of ballistic missiles reported since the 1980s?
Whether a program is secret or not, regular missile tests are necessary to ensure they still work and/or if any improvements need to be tested.
Are you referring to live-fire tests?
For such a strategically large missile, live-fire tests pose a significant challenge.
1. They can easily lead to misjudgment by "neighbors" within range.
2. Live-fire tests require significant manpower, material, and financial resources.
In short, such live-fire tests are a significant military operation.
Secondly, Saudi Arabia itself lacks many of the necessary conditions for such tests.
1. They require an absolutely safe testing environment. From launch, flight, and impact, all areas must be under absolute control.
2. They require extensive remote sensing and monitoring systems (even more extensive than those required for a combat launch).
In 1980, China conducted its first full-scale ICBM flight test. At the time, China dispatched a massive fleet consisting of two space measurement vessels, two scientific research vessels, six missile destroyers, and a large number of support vessels to the target area in the South Pacific.
At the same time, the United States, the Soviet Union, Japan, Australia, and other countries also deployed numerous warships and aircraft for tracking and reconnaissance. At the warhead's scheduled impact point, various parties attempted to seize the test warhead (actually a data testing chamber containing a large amount of testing equipment). Ultimately, Chinese escort vessels forcibly drove it away, and Chinese researchers were the first to recover the warhead.
China has not conducted such tests since then. It wasn't until last year that we conducted our second test (of the DF-31). But this time, no one came to seize the warhead.
There are many more practical methods for missile testing. In reality, countries rarely conduct live-fire tests. If Saudi Arabia needs to conduct such a test, China has a complete testing environment. This does not need to be done within Saudi Arabia.
I wish that we could know more as amateur military enthusiasts. The level of secrecy is very frustrating.
When it comes to the confidentiality of military technology and information, no country in the world is more stringent than China. The information the Chinese government chooses to disclose is only released after a thorough review process.
A PLA general once said in an interview with Western media:
When we disclose our information, you accuse us of posing a threat.
When we conceal our information, you accuse us of military opacity.
So, do you prefer us to disclose it or not?
Just kidding.
Don't worry, this isn't a leak!