Reference News Network, September 4 report. According to the U.S. Army Knowledge website, on September 3, China officially unveiled the "Dongfeng"-61 intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade. The missile was displayed on a 16-wheeled transport and launch vehicle, with the DF-61 marking on the launch tube, but it is unclear whether it was loaded with real warheads.
This parade marked the first time that China's land-based, sea-based, and air-based nuclear forces were formally showcased in a "three-in-one" form. Among them, "Jinglei"-1 is an air-based long-range missile, "Juwang"-3 is a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile, "Dongfeng"-61 is a new land-based intercontinental ballistic missile, and the improved "Dongfeng"-31BJ. Other strategic equipment included the "Dongfeng"-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile and the "Dongfeng"-26D missile, which also appeared in the formation.
The technical details of the "Dongfeng"-61 have not been disclosed, but its appearance is interpreted as a follow-up or supplement to the "Dongfeng"-41. The "Dongfeng"-41 missile began development at the end of the last century and was publicly revealed in 2019. It is approximately 20 meters long, with an estimated range between 12,000 and 15,000 kilometers, and can carry up to 10 separate re-entry vehicles. At least since 2020, there have been rumors about its successor.
The transport and launch vehicle for the "Dongfeng"-61 is largely similar to that of the "Dongfeng"-41, indicating that China prioritizes road mobility and survivability when deploying such systems.
The emergence of the "Dongfeng"-61 also reflects a broader modernization trend: China is increasing the quantity and variety of nuclear weapons delivery systems. A report submitted by the U.S. Strategic Command to Congress earlier stated that China is developing a "new generation of mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles," whose performance is expected to surpass that of the "Dongfeng"-41 while maintaining road mobility. Pentagon analysis emphasizes that China seeks to build a larger and more diverse nuclear force, including low-yield precision strike weapons and high-yield multi-warhead missiles. These trends, along with the emergence of the "Dongfeng"-61 and other new missiles, indicate that China is taking an integrated approach to increasing the number of nuclear warheads and developing delivery systems.
The development history of China's intercontinental ballistic missiles can be traced back to the late 1950s, when the "Dongfeng" series of missiles began to be developed. The "Dongfeng"-1 was tested in 1960, and the "Dongfeng"-2 became China's first operational strategic missile in 1964. The "Dongfeng"-5 entered service in the 1980s, marking China's first true intercontinental ballistic missile. The "Dongfeng"-31, introduced in the 1990s, used solid fuel, enhanced mobility, and improved survivability, while shortening the launch preparation time. The "Dongfeng"-41 made its debut in 2019, achieving a leap in range and the ability to carry more warheads. The "Dongfeng"-61 now continues this process, becoming the latest member of the "Dongfeng" series of missiles, further enhancing survivability and deterrence.
The operational status of the "Dongfeng"-61 remains uncertain. Unlike the "Dongfeng"-41, which has been confirmed to be in service, there has been no confirmation of the "Dongfeng"-61 being in service. Its debut in the parade established the official name and status of the missile in the Rocket Force's combat sequence, but it is unclear whether it will replace the existing "Dongfeng"-41 units or serve as a complement to them.
Reports from think tanks such as the National Institute for Public Policy suggest that China may be developing various new missiles, one of which could be intended to replace the "Dongfeng"-41, and another that could eventually replace the "Dongfeng"-5. The appearance of the "Dongfeng"-61 together with the submarine-launched "Juwang"-3 and the air-based long-range "Jinglei"-1 highlights China's intention to build a complete "three-in-one" nuclear force with diverse delivery methods.
Whether as a replacement for the old system or as a supplement to the growing nuclear force, the "Dongfeng"-61 marks a new stage for China's land-based intercontinental ballistic missile forces, which will have significant implications for strategic considerations over the next decade. (Translated by Tu Qi)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7546061032066793999/
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