DF-26 Missile

Brand: China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. (CASC)
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System INS / BeiDou Satellite / Optical Terminal
Maximum Speed Mach 10+
Launch Compatibility Road-Mobile TEL
Warhead Technology Conventional / Nuclear

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	DF-26 (Dong Feng-26)
Type / Role	Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)
Country of Origin	China
Manufacturer	China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2015
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	3,000–4,000 km
Speed	Mach 10+
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Exo-atmospheric (above 100 km)
Accuracy (CEP)	≤100 meters
Warhead Type	Conventional or Nuclear-capable

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	INS / BeiDou Satellite / Optical Terminal
Targeting Mode	Autonomous / Terminal Homing
Launch Platform Compatibility	Road-Mobile TEL
Seeker Type	Optical / Radar Terminal Guidance

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	~14 meters
Diameter	1.4 meters
Wingspan	N/A (ballistic design)
Launch Weight	~20,000 kg
Propulsion	Two-stage solid-fuel rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	1,200–1,800 kg
Explosive Type	Conventional HE / Nuclear
Detonation Mechanism	Impact or Proximity Fuse
Payload Options	Single or Multiple Reentry Vehicle (MRV)

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long
Deployment Platform	Ground (Road-Mobile TEL)
Target Types	Land bases, Ships, Command Centers
Combat Proven	No
Users / Operators	China (PLA Rocket Force)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Dual-capable (nuclear and conventional) payloads
Long-range reach up to 4,000 km
Road-mobile and highly survivable
Capable of anti-ship operations
Rapid reload and launch readiness

CONS

Limited transparency on accuracy and reliability
Large TEL vehicle reduces concealment in open terrain
Dependent on satellite navigation for precision
High operational and maintenance costs
No export potential or interoperability with allied systems

DF-26 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

The DF-26, also known as Dong Feng-26 or “Guam Killer,” is a Chinese dual-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Designed for both nuclear and conventional precision strikes, the DF-26 represents one of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force’s (PLARF) most strategic long-range deterrent systems.

Design and Capabilities

First unveiled during China’s 2015 military parade, the DF-26 offers impressive operational flexibility, with a range between 3,000 and 4,000 kilometers, enabling it to reach key U.S. bases in the Western Pacific, including Guam. The missile is road-mobile, mounted on an 8-axle transporter-erector-launcher (TEL), providing rapid deployment and enhanced survivability against preemptive strikes.

The DF-26 can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, making it a dual-use weapon. It can target both land-based installations and moving naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, through advanced terminal guidance and satellite-based navigation. Reports suggest the system uses a combination of inertial navigation (INS), BeiDou satellite guidance, and optical terminal homing, granting high precision with a circular error probable (CEP) of under 100 meters.

Strategic Role

The DF-26’s versatility allows China to execute both strategic deterrence and conventional precision strike missions without changing launch platforms. Its rapid reload capability and extended range strengthen China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) posture in the Asia-Pacific region. The missile’s nuclear option also enhances Beijing’s second-strike capability in regional conflict scenarios.

DF-26 Price in United States

While the DF-26 is not available for export, defense analysts estimate the missile’s unit cost to exceed $20–25 million, based on comparable intermediate-range systems. This figure includes the TEL, guidance package, and command infrastructure.

Reviews

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