DF-61
Intercontinental ballistic missile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Dongfeng-61 (simplified Chinese: 东风-61; traditional Chinese: 東風-61; lit. 'East Wind-61', DF-61) is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the People’s Republic of China. It is likely nuclear-armed and may be a variant or successor to the DF-41.
| DF-61 | |
|---|---|
DF-61 missile at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade | |
| Type | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2025–present |
| Used by | People's Liberation Army Rocket Force |
| Specifications | |
Operational range | ~12,100–18,000 kilometres (7,500–11,200 mi) |
Launch platform | |
Description
The DF-61 is a road-mobile missile and is likely nuclear-armed.[1][2] The transporter erector launcher is seemingly identical to the one used by the DF-41; the DF-61 may be a variant[1] or successor to the DF-41.[2] Reported ranges include 7,500 miles (12,100 km) - similar to the DF-41[3]- and 18,000 kilometres (11,000 mi)[2]
History
The missile made its first official public appearance during the 2025 China Victory Day Parade as part of the nuclear missile section. A Federation of American Scientists article described the appearance of the DF-61 as a "surprise" since it seemed similar to the DF-41, a missile already deployed at the time.[1]
Earlier "DF-61" program
The "DF-61" designation was used by a tactical nuclear missile development program from 1976-1977.[4] It was a response to North Korea's interest to acquire 600 km range missiles from China, although no agreement was made.[5] Development began as a counter to the Soviet Union. The decision not to emphasize tactical weapons in the nuclear weapons program probably ended development.[6]
