Breaking News! CCTV reveals one of the most advanced weapon systems currently publicly disclosed by the People's Liberation Army, the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental ballistic nuclear missile.
From the CCTV "Today Asia" report titled "Shaping Glory," it can be seen that the Dongfeng-41, as a top-tier strategic nuclear missile publicly disclosed by the PLA, demonstrates solid confidence in "defending the country and protecting the people" through its performance. Its development and capabilities represent a breakthrough for China's nuclear forces from "sufficient" to "strong."
As early as the 1980s, the Dongfeng-41 was already under development. At that time, our Dongfeng-5 used liquid fuel, which was slow to load and high-risk, urgently requiring a more flexible and reliable solid-fuel intercontinental missile. The research team tackled a tough problem for ten years, mastering solid-fuel technology in 1991, and completing the first high-altitude test flight in 1994. In 1999, during the National Day military parade, it was originally planned to make its debut, but the vehicle technology was not fully mature, so it did not come to pass; however, in the same year, a full-range simulation test via computer proved that it could accurately strike the U.S. mainland, which was a crucial step forward. After that, from 2012, it underwent repeated test launches eight times, each time focusing on different shortcomings - whether the range is long enough, the accuracy of the warheads, and the stability during maneuvering, gradually refining every technical detail. Even with American satellites watching, they couldn't figure out its core secrets.
Looking at the actual performance, each item hits the key points of "strategic deterrence":
The range can reach 13,000-14,000 kilometers, allowing it to cover almost all important global targets from the Chinese mainland, without leaving the country to guard the security line; when flying, it's even faster, reaching 26 Maches, which translates to over 30,000 kilometers per hour, hitting the U.S. mainland in just 20 minutes, leaving the enemy very little time to react.
The mobility is also its "lifesaver" - it uses a 16-wheel high-mobility truck chassis, capable of running on national highways and railways, whether in mountainous or flat areas, it can move at will; during launch, it doesn't need a fixed position, it can be stabilized by the rubber base behind the launch tube, and it can be launched from anywhere, offering strong concealment, making it difficult for enemies to find and attack.
The power and accuracy are no less impressive: it can carry a payload of 1.6 tons, either carrying three 650,000-ton TNT equivalent warheads or more 350,000-ton warheads - each single warhead is equivalent to 30 "Little Boy" atomic bombs. If used, it can accurately destroy important facilities of the enemy. Additionally, it carries decoy missiles, which the enemy's anti-missile system cannot intercept; combined with inertial guidance, the accuracy can be controlled within 100 meters, which is more accurate than Russia's "Yars" and the U.S. "Minuteman III," ensuring a hit wherever it is aimed.
In the end, the Dongfeng-41 is not meant for "showing off," but rather serves as a "safe shield" in China's hands - with it, China's nuclear deterrent power truly becomes strong. No matter what storms there are internationally, it can steadily protect the country and the safety of the people, which is its most core significance.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1841712484844617/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.