China ran a simulated strike mission using a Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and has released video showing improvements to the medium range Dongfeng-26 (DF-26) ballistic missile. This was reported by the South China Morning Post.
The DF-41 ICBM has a range of 15000 kilometers which is more than the United States’ LGM-30 Minuteman (13,000km) and Russia’s RT-2PM2 Topol-M (11,000km). The DF-41 can carry ten warheads.
The DF-26 has a range of up to 5740 kilometers.
The Global Times reports that the DF-26 has demonstrated mid-flight course adjustment capability and the ability to strike moving targets like aircraft carriers. Land-based DF-26 would be able to hit US carrier groups out to the island of Guam.
China has positioned dozens of DF-26 further inland where they are safe from short-range US missiles. Even 2000 miles inland the DF-26 should still be able to hit US Navy ships up to 1000 miles off the coast of China.
The nose of the DF-26 has a double-cone structure and four fin-like flight control surfaces symmetrically built around the base of the warhead. The control surfaces allow the DF-26 to have improved targeting capabilities.
SOURCES- Global Times, SCMP
Written By Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com
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