Adam Ni, China researcher at Macquarie University in Sydney.
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China’s next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-41, was spotted by satellite imagery at Yangfangzhen 阳坊镇 training base for parades (40.147125° 116.121365°) on July 4. The DF-31AG and the DF-26 (aka “carrier killer”) were also spotted.
Bates Gill and me published an article recently on China’s missile forces. On the DF-41:
The solid-fuelled DF-41 is China’s most advanced ICBM, with capabilities rivalling the American LGM-30 Minuteman and the Russian Topol-M ICBMs. Chinese state media reported in November 2017 that the DF-41 is close to operational and would be deployed in 2018 (Sun 2017; Secretary of Defense 2018, 37). The DF-41 has an estimated range of 12,000 kilometres and can carry up to 10 MIRVs. In addition to silo-based launchers, the DF-41 is also road- and rail-mobile. Once deployed, the DF-41 will be a powerful addition to Chinese nuclear strike capabilities.
The DF-41 is the most powerful nuclear weapon in China’s arsenal, and truly terrifying.
From the location of the missiles, they are almost certainly there for training for PRC 70th anniversary National Day parade on Oct 1. This would be the first time the DF-41 is paraded in what would be a strong message of China’s military power.
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