The various weapons and equipment displayed during the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War this year have caused a great shock to the world. Among them, the strategic missile formation was the highlight of the parade, demonstrating our military's powerful strategic deterrence capability.

Among the many strategic missiles participating in the inspection, the most eye-catching one is the new Dongfeng-61 intercontinental ballistic missile.

It must be said that the appearance of the Dongfeng-61 was indeed unexpected, because before the start of the parade, it was generally speculated that a new intercontinental missile would be officially announced, with the model likely being the Dongfeng-51. However, instead of "51", the Dongfeng-61 made its debut.

Dongfeng-61

Although the official has not released specific parameter information about the Dongfeng-61, based on the display at the military parade, we may make some reasonable speculations.

Firstly, the Dongfeng-61 uses the same 8-wheel mobile launch vehicle as the Dongfeng-41, and the pipeline configuration of the launch tube is similar to that of the Dongfeng-41. This means that the two missiles are roughly the same size. The Dongfeng-41 is about 20 meters long, and its range is reportedly between 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers, capable of carrying up to 10 separate warheads.

On the other hand, given the above similarities between the Dongfeng-61 and the Dongfeng-41, it may be considered an improved version of the Dongfeng-41, such as replacing the rocket engine with a more advanced one, or optimizing the fuel grain design, which could give it a longer range, stronger penetration capability, and the ability to carry larger-yield warheads or more decoy warheads.

Dongfeng-61 being transported on the highway

Secondly, since the Dongfeng-61 was displayed together with the air-based strategic heavy weapon Jinglei-1, the submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile Jiuwang-3, and the new land-based intercontinental ballistic missile Dongfeng-31, this may indicate that the Dongfeng-61 is a new member of China's "three-dimensional" nuclear strike force. This new system will significantly enhance the survivability, response capability, and deterrence reliability of China's strategic nuclear forces.

Finally, the idea that there is a new model in the Dongfeng series of intercontinental ballistic missiles has been circulating domestically, and reports from American think tanks and the Pentagon over the years have also speculated that China is likely developing a more advanced next-generation mobile intercontinental ballistic missile than the Dongfeng-41 - which the U.S. refers to as "Dongfeng-51" or "Dongfeng-45".

Last year, a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggested that "Dongfeng-51" or "Dongfeng-45" could carry seven 65-megaton nuclear warheads, with a range between 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers.

Dongfeng-61 is highly similar to Dongfeng-41

The report by the National Institute for Public Policy was even more absurd, claiming that "Dongfeng-51" or "Dongfeng-45" could carry three 500-megaton multi-warhead, or deploy parts of an orbital bombing system, with a range exceeding 15,000 kilometers.

In addition, the report also stated that "Dongfeng-51" and "Dongfeng-45" were likely two different intercontinental missile systems, i.e., they were the improved versions of the Dongfeng-41 and Dongfeng-5, respectively.

Last year, the Pentagon's "China Military Power Report" did not speculate much on the new Dongfeng intercontinental missile, but instead claimed that China is accelerating the modernization of its nuclear forces and building a larger and more diversified nuclear missile force. Its scope covers everything from low-yield precision strike missiles to intercontinental ballistic missiles with megaton-level yields. By 2030, China will have more than 1,000 nuclear warheads ready for deployment.

The Dongfeng-5C should actually be called an orbital bombing system

It should be noted that all the above reports were published by American think tanks and the Pentagon last year. For the recent September 3rd military parade and the various new equipment displayed at the parade, the American think tanks and media are currently silent.

In summary, China's decision to publicly display the new models of the Dongfeng-61, Dongfeng-31, and Dongfeng-5 intercontinental ballistic missiles during this year's September 3rd military parade itself is a signal, indicating China's determination and capability to safeguard national sovereignty and core interests. The Dongfeng series of intercontinental ballistic missiles are not meant to break stability, but to ensure a more equal and stable strategic dialogue relationship between major powers.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7545709799153943082/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion below using the [Up/Down] buttons.