DF-31 Missile

Full Specifications

DF-31 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

The DF-31 missile is a road mobile intercontinental ballistic missile developed by China to strengthen its land based nuclear deterrent. Designed for survivability and second strike capability, the system reflects a shift away from fixed silos toward mobile launch forces that are harder to detect and target.

Origin and Development

The DF-31 was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Work began in the late Cold War period, with the missile entering operational service with the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force in the late 1990s. It was designed to provide China with a reliable long range nuclear strike option capable of reaching targets beyond the Asia Pacific region.

Design and Capabilities

The missile uses a three stage solid fuel rocket, allowing faster launch preparation and improved storage life compared to older liquid fueled systems. It is carried and launched from a transporter erector launcher, giving it high mobility and flexibility in deployment.

The DF-31 has an estimated range of about 7,200 to 8,000 kilometers, placing parts of North America within reach depending on launch location. During the boost and reentry phases, the missile reaches hypersonic speeds well above Mach 10. It is believed to carry a single nuclear warhead, with yields commonly assessed in the low hundreds of kilotons.

Operational Role

The DF-31 is intended for strategic deterrence rather than battlefield use. Its mobility, solid fuel design, and off road launch capability increase survivability against a first strike. The system operates as part of China’s broader nuclear triad, complementing submarine launched and air delivered nuclear forces.

DF-31 Missile Price

The exact cost of the DF-31 missile is not publicly disclosed. Based on defense industry estimates for comparable intercontinental ballistic missile systems, analysts assess the unit cost to be in the tens of millions of US dollars per missile, excluding infrastructure, warhead, and long term support costs.