China DF-61 Missile

Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. (CASC)
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Not publicly disclosed
Maximum Speed Not publicly disclosed
Launch Compatibility Road-mobile transporter-erector-launcher (TEL)
Warhead Technology Nuclear-capable, based on its strategic missile classification; configuration unconfirmed

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	DF-61 (Dong Feng-61)
Type / Role	Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Country of Origin	China
Manufacturer	Not officially confirmed; Chinese aerospace industry
Service Entry / Year Introduced	Publicly unveiled in 2025
Operational Status	Reported in routine training by Chinese state media in November 2026; independent operational verification unavailable

2. Performance & Range

Range	Intercontinental; approximately 18,000 km estimated by some assessments, unconfirmed
Speed	Not publicly disclosed; hypersonic flight velocities expected during ballistic flight
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Not publicly disclosed
Accuracy (CEP)	Not publicly disclosed
Warhead Type	Nuclear-capable; exact configuration unknown

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Not publicly disclosed
Targeting Mode	Strategic ballistic targeting; detailed mode undisclosed
Launch Platform Compatibility	Road-mobile ground-based TEL
Seeker Type	Not applicable as a conventional terminal-seeker specification; details undisclosed

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	Not publicly disclosed
Diameter	Not publicly disclosed
Wingspan	Not applicable / not disclosed
Launch Weight	Not publicly disclosed
Propulsion	Solid-fuel propulsion reported by defense assessments; not officially confirmed

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Not publicly disclosed
Explosive Type	Nuclear payload capability
Detonation Mechanism	Not publicly disclosed
Payload Options	Nuclear; specific payload configurations unconfirmed

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long
Deployment Platform	Land-based road-mobile TEL
Target Types	Strategic targets; specific targeting capabilities undisclosed
Combat Proven	No publicly confirmed combat use
Users / Operators	People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (China)

PROS

Road-mobile launch configuration supports deployment flexibility.
Solid-fuel propulsion is assessed by some defense analysts, offering potential readiness advantages.
Intercontinental range provides strategic deterrence capability.
Potential compatibility with multiple-warhead technology, although unconfirmed.
Adds another system to China's expanding strategic missile inventory.

CONS

Exact operational range remains unverified.
Maximum speed and flight performance are undisclosed.
Warhead capacity and MIRV configuration are unconfirmed.
Guidance accuracy and technical architecture remain unknown.
Development and procurement costs are not publicly available.

China DF-61 ICBM Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

The China DF-61 is a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) publicly unveiled during China’s September 3, 2025, military parade in Beijing. The missile represents another development in China’s expanding strategic nuclear forces and is associated with the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF).

The DF-61 uses a large, road-mobile transporter-erector-launcher (TEL), providing the mobility needed to relocate between deployment areas. Its launcher features a 16-wheel configuration and closely resembles the vehicle displayed with the DF-41 ICBM. This similarity has led defense analysts to consider the DF-61 a possible successor or evolutionary development of the DF-41, although its precise relationship remains unconfirmed.

China presented the DF-61 within its strategic nuclear missile formation, indicating a nuclear deterrence role. However, its warhead configuration, guidance architecture and operational performance have not been officially disclosed.

Manufacturer

The Chinese government has not publicly confirmed the DF-61’s specific manufacturing organization. Defense industry assessments associate China’s strategic ballistic missile development with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and its China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). Their precise involvement in the DF-61 program has not been independently established.

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Speed and Range

The DF-61 is classified as an intercontinental ballistic missile, placing it in the long-range strategic missile category. Some defense assessments estimate its maximum range at approximately 18,000 kilometers, although this figure remains unconfirmed. Its maximum flight speed has not been publicly released. Like other ICBMs, it is expected to reach hypersonic velocities during portions of its ballistic flight.

Cost/Price

China has not disclosed the DF-61’s development cost, unit production price or overall procurement budget. As a strategic nuclear weapons system, its financial details remain classified or unavailable through public sources.

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