DF-27 Missile

Manufacturer: Chinese Defense Industry
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System INS + Satellite Guidance (Assessed)
Maximum Speed Hypersonic (Unconfirmed Estimates)
Launch Compatibility Road-Mobile Transporter-Erector-Launcher
Warhead Technology Conventional or Nuclear-Capable

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	DF-27 Missile
Type / Role	Long-Range Strike / Strategic Missile
Country of Origin	China
Manufacturer	PLA Rocket Force / Chinese Defense Industry
Service Entry / Year Introduced	Reported 2020s
Operational Status	Active (Unconfirmed Open Source)

2. Performance & Range

Range	5,000–8,000 km (Estimated)
Speed	Hypersonic (Estimated Mach 5+)
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Midcourse High-Altitude Flight
Accuracy (CEP)	Unknown / Unreleased
Warhead Type	Nuclear or Conventional

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	INS + Satellite Navigation (Assessed)
Targeting Mode	Midcourse Maneuvering / Non-Ballistic
Launch Platform Compatibility	Road-Mobile TEL
Seeker Type	Unreleased

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	Not publicly disclosed
Diameter	Not publicly disclosed
Wingspan	N/A
Launch Weight	Not available (Classified)
Propulsion	Solid-Fuel Rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Unknown
Explosive Type	Nuclear / High-Explosive
Detonation Mechanism	Likely Impact or Proximity
Payload Options	Conventional / Nuclear

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long
Deployment Platform	Ground-Based TEL
Target Types	Strategic Targets, Naval Assets
Combat Proven	No
Users / Operators	China

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Technology 7 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Long-range strike capability exceeding most regional systems
Possible hypersonic glide vehicle integration
High survivability due to maneuverable non-ballistic flight
Rapid launch readiness from solid-fuel design
Supports A2/AD operations across large maritime regions

CONS

Limited verified technical data due to secrecy
Potential vulnerability to advanced U.S. space-based tracking systems
High development and deployment costs
Accuracy uncertainty without confirmed CEP data
Strategic use may escalate regional tensions

DF-27 Long-Range Hypersonic Missile System

The DF-27 missile is one of China’s most discussed long-range strike systems, widely assessed by defense analysts as a new-generation hypersonic-capable missile designed for deep-strike missions across the Indo-Pacific region. Developed by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), the DF-27 bridges the gap between conventional intermediate-range ballistic missiles and maneuverable hypersonic glide systems, giving China an extended, flexible strike option that challenges modern missile defenses.

Design, Purpose, and Capabilities

The DF-27 is believed to be a dual-capable missile capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. Reports suggest a range exceeding 5,000 to 8,000 km, enabling it to hold distant regional and strategic targets at risk, including naval carrier groups and hardened land-based installations. Its potential midcourse maneuverability and non-ballistic flight profile distinguish it from traditional ballistic missiles, contributing to its survivability against advanced radar tracking networks.

Technology and Performance

While the Chinese government has not officially released technical data, open-source assessments indicate that the DF-27 likely uses a solid-fuel propulsion system, allowing rapid launch readiness and improved battlefield survivability. It may feature inertial navigation paired with satellite guidance, enabling long-range precision and more unpredictable trajectories compared to earlier missile classes.

Several U.S. defense sources have suggested the DF-27 might be capable of carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), offering high terminal speeds and maneuverability to evade interceptors. This makes the missile strategically relevant in contested environments where traditional ballistic systems may face interception.

Operational Role

The DF-27 contributes to China’s expanding long-range strike doctrine, supporting anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies and reinforcing deterrence across the Western Pacific. Although operational details remain closely guarded, the system is assessed to be active and deployed within PLARF units.

DF-27 Missile Price

The DF-27 missile is not available for foreign military sale. Its cost is not publicly disclosed, but U.S. defense analysts estimate that comparable long-range hypersonic-capable systems would exceed tens of millions of dollars per unit, depending on deployment infrastructure and warhead configuration.

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