Land-Based Strategic Weapons

  Dong Feng-3/3A IRBM (CSS-2)
  Dong Feng-4 ICBM (CSS-3 IRBM)
  Dong Feng-5/5A ICBM (CSS-4 ICBM)
  Dong Feng-21/21A IRBM (CSS-6)
  Dong Feng-15 SRBM (M-9, CSST-600)

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

  Xia SSBN
  Julang 1 SLBM (CSS-N-3)

Air-Based Strategic Weapons

  Hong-6 (B-6 or Tu-16 Badger)
  Qian-5 (A-5)
  Gravity bomb

Non-Strategic Weapons

Dong Feng-3/3A IRBM (CSS-2)

   Year Deployed: 1971
   Dimensions: 19 meters length, 2.25 meters diameter
   Weight: 55,000 kilograms
   Propulsion: Single stage liquid
   Throw-weight: 2,150 kilograms
   Range: 2,000 or 3,000 kilometers
   Guidance: Inertial or radio command
   Circular Error Probable: 1000 meters
   Warhead: Single warhead
   Yield: 2 megatons
   Locations: Northwest China along Russian border: Dalong, Liuchingkou, Xi'an, Kunming, Jianshui, Liankengwang, Xuanhua, Fengrun, and Itu among other regions
   Number Deployed: 40 missiles
   Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry for Space Industry)

The Dong Feng (East Wind)-3 was the first truly indigenous Chinese ballistic missile. Its U.S. name is the CSS-2 (Chinese Surface-to Surface missile). The DF-3's predecessor was the Dong Feng-2 (CSS-1), essentially a copy of the Soviet SS-2 Shyster. Rather than repeat the difficult experience with the DF-2's volatile liquid oxygen fuel, the DF-3 was the first of a series of Chinese missiles that would utilize storable liquid fuels. The Cuban missile crisis had illustrated that missiles with non-storable fuels (such as the SS-3s and SS-4s on Cuba) were ineffective in international crises. They took too long to prepare for launch, and could not be maintained at high alert levels. The DF-3's storable liquid fuel was an interim answer to this problem, but it was not until the 1980s and the JL-1 SLBM that the Chinese would perfect an even more stable solid propellent.8

The original design target of the DF-3 was the two U.S. military installations in the Philippines: Clark AFB and Subic Bay naval base. However, the missiles were retargeted at Soviet population centers in the central and eastern U.S.S.R. after the Sino-Soviet border clashes of 1969. The DF-3A, an improved variant with even longer range (3,800 kilometers), entered service in 1986. To make up for inaccuracy and small numbers of warheads, the DF-3, and indeed most of the Chinese nuclear arsenal, uses comparatively high yield warheads.

The DF-3 is dispersed at remote sites in northwest China along the border with Russia, and has presurveyed launch sites for its mobile trailer erector launchers. The sites are hidden in valleys and caves to make detection and targeting difficult. The DF-3 had been described as the backbone of the Chinese missile force, with approximately 100 deployed in the 1980's according to the DIA.9

Today, however, the DF-3 has become outdated and is being retired, as China's focus shifts to longer-range missiles.

Dong Feng-4 ICBM (CSS-3)

   Year Deployed: 1980
   Dimensions: 31 meters length, 2.25 meters diameter
   Weight: 82,000 kilograms
   Propulsion: Two stage liquid
   Throw-weight: 2,200 kilograms
   Range: 4,750 kilometers
   Guidance: Inertial
   Circular Error Probable: 1,370 meters
   Warhead: Single warhead
   Yield: 2 megatons
   Locations: Qinghai, Tongdao, and Sundian
   Number Deployed: 20 missiles
   Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry for Space Industry)

The Dong Feng-4 was developed in tandem with the shorter-ranged Dong Feng-3 IRBM. The project in turn developed essential components, including the entire first stage, for the subsequent Dong Feng-5 ICBM. U.S. analysts considered the Dong Feng-4 as a stopgap measure until the longer-range Dong Feng-5 — a true ICBM — was available. The civilian counterpart to the Dong Feng-4 is the Long March-1 (LM-1), which was used for the first successful Chinese satellite launch in 1970. Reportedly, all Chinese strategic missiles, including the Dong Feng-4, received software upgrades in 1985 that improved their accuracy.

The original design goal for the DF-4 was to be able to strike the U.S. air base at Guam (Andersen AFB.) After the deterioration in relations with the Soviet Union, the target was shifted and the capabilities enhanced so the DF-4 would be able to hit the major cities of the western Soviet Union. In particular, the missile was designed to strike the Soviet capital, and has been referred to as the "Moscow missile." There was considerable debate about basing, with the original intention being silos, and subsequent rail mobile tests. The final decision was a mixture of basing in caves and silos.

The DF-4 was the first Chinese missile deployed in underground silos. They are raised to surface level before firing, much like the early U.S. Titans and Atlases. The cave-deployed versions were designed to be rolled out from their tunnels to their launch pads, fueled, and fired. There are also launch sites designed for the DF-4 at several test launch sites, which could be used to fire any reserve missiles.

Dong Feng-5/5A ICBM (CSS-4)

   Year Deployed: 1981
   Dimensions: 35 meters length, 3.35 meters diameter
   Weight: 190,000 kilograms
   Propulsion: Two stage liquid
   Throw-weight: 3,200 kilograms
   Range: 13,000 kilometers
   Guidance: Inertial
   Circular Error Probable: Unknown
   Warhead: Single warhead
   Yield: 5 megatons
   Locations: Luoning, Jiuquan space launch site, Wuzhai test range
   Number Deployed: 20 missiles
   Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry of Space Industry)

The Dong Feng-5 is China's only true ICBM. U.S. intelligence estimates claim that China may have as many as 100 by 2015. The DF-5 program is an outgrowth of DF-4 testing and development. The missile's tested range estimates vary widely, from a low of 7,000 kilometers to a high of 15,000 kilometers reported by observers. The missile has been compared to the heavy Soviet SS-18 ICBM.

The civilian version of the DF-5 is known as the Long March 2C (or by the alternate Chinese designation Chang Zheng-2C, CZ-2C.) This launcher has been used heavily by the Chinese space program, and has been launching satellites into space since 1975, five years before the ICBM version was completed.

These are the only missiles in China's arsenal capable of hitting the continental United States. In 1983, several underwent improvements (designated the DF-5A) to increase their range from 11,000 to 13,000 kilometers, and their payload to 3,200 kilograms. The missile can hit targets throughout Russia, Europe, and North America. There are several silos at test centers, as well as numerous empty silos, akin to the proposed MX "shell game" system where only a few silos have active missiles in them. China could rapidly convert its existing fleet of CZ-2 civilian space launchers into DF-5 ICBMs with a minimum of effort.

Further modernization of the land-based missile continues. It is likely that China is working on two new warheads, one with a yield of 100-200 kilotons, and another with a yield of 600-700 kilotons.

Future land-based missiles include the Dong Feng-31, a single warhead (100-200 kiloton) missile with an 8,000 kilometer range. This missile will likely be silo-based and solid fueled. Deployment is expected by 2005. The DF-41 program has likely been canceled.

Dong Feng-15 SRBM (CSST-600 or M-9)

   Year Deployed: 1991
   Dimensions: 9.1 meters length, 1.0 meters diameter
   Weight: 6,200 kilograms
   Propulsion: Solid propellant
   Throw-weight: 950 kilograms
   Range: 600 kilometers
   Guidance: Inertial
   Circular Error Probable: 300 meters
   Warhead: Single warhead
   Yield: Unknown
   Locations: Unknown
   Number Deployed: Unknown
   Primary Contractor: First Academy of the Ministry of Aero-Space Industry

Development of the M series of tactical short-range ballistic missiles began in the early 1980s. Three versions are known, the M-9, M-11, and M-18 — the M designations are used for the export versions. The version believed most likely to serve in a nuclear role is the M-9, also known as the DF-15. This version was first flight-tested in 1988. The DF-15/M-9 is reportedly transported on a wheeled 8x8 transporter erector vehicle (TEL) capable of launching the missile in the field. Libya reportedly purchased 140 M-9 missiles in 1989, allegedly passing on 80 of them to Syria. There have also been longstanding rumors of M-9 sales to Pakistan, Iran and Egypt.

It is not known whether the Chinese DF-15s are fitted with nuclear weapons — it may use only conventional warheads. It has been heavily advertised for sale, with major selling points being its 30 minute reaction time and accuracy of under 600 meters. The early M-9 sales contradict the usual Chinese practice of developing and deploying a weapon with its own forces before export. The highly publicized "missile tests" which took place in the Taiwan Straits in July and September 1995, and the exercises in March 1996 involved DF-15 test shots. This missile is largely seen as a modern, more accurate, and more reliable replacement for the aging Scud-type missiles.

Dong Feng-21/21A IRBM (CSS-6)

   Year Deployed: 1985
   Dimensions: 10.7 meters length, 1.4 meters diameter
   Weight: 14,700 kilograms
   Propulsion: Two stage, solid fuel
   Throw-weight: 600 kilograms
   Range: 1,800 kilometers
   Guidance: Inertial
   Circular Error Probable: Unknown
   Warhead: Single warhead
   Yield: 200-300 kilotons
   Locations: Unknown
   Number Deployed: 48 missiles
   Primary Contractor: Same as the solid fueled JL-1

The DF-21 is the land-based version of the Julang-1 SLBM, China's first solid fueled ballistic missile. The specifications for the DF-21 are essentially the same as the JL-1, except the range is slightly longer, at 1,800 kilometers. It is difficult to determine numbers deployed, as these missiles are supposedly the same as the JL-1s. This solid fuel design seems to indicate the future of Chinese missiles, as the short range DF-15/M-9 is also built this way, and the DF-31 and DF-41 ICBMs under development likewise use solid propellant. This is an improvement over the storable liquid fueled missiles (DF-3, DF-4, DF-5), which are higher maintenance and bring greater delays and dangers than those using solid propellant.

The DF-21 is also the first truly road-mobile Chinese missile, mounted on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicle. The missiles use a cold launch technique similar to that used on the Xia SSBN — they are ejected from their container and the engines ignite while airborne. The DF-21A variant reportedly has a decreased weight and a slightly longer range. Likely targets are urban areas in Russia.

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

Xia (Type 092) SSBN

   Year Deployed: 1987
   Displacement: 6,500 tons dived
   Dimensions: 120 meters length, 10 meters height, 8 meters diameter
   Propulsion: Nuclear, 1 shaft
   Speed: 22 knots dived
   Missiles: 12 JL-1 SLBMs
   Locations: Unknown
   Number Deployed: 1 submarine
   Primary Contractor: Unknown

The first operational Chinese ballistic missile submarine was a long time in coming. It had its origin in a conventional-powered Golf class submarine that was assembled from Soviet parts in 1964. The Golf tested the JL-1 SLBM and has been a training and test vessel for Chinese SLBMs and SSBN crews. It can carry two missiles in the sail, and given time, could be outfitted in a crisis and deployed with operational weapons.

The Xia's production was greatly delayed by difficulties with producing a safe and reliable nuclear reactor. The vessel was in development for 20 years as a result. The Xia was built at the Huludao shipyard northeast of Beijing alongside the Han class nuclear attack subs (SSNs). That design influenced the Xia's final form.

There is some doubt as to the number of operational Xia submarines. Both one and two have been quoted by various sources — the Chinese have stated two are operational, but it is unknown if both have conducted operational patrols with their missiles. In 2001, some intelligence sources classified the Xia as inoperative. Some sources indicate China has begun a program to build four to six new SSBNs, which will each carry 16 three-stage Julang II SLBMs with intercontinental range. This project is many years from realization. The Xia is not known to have ever ventured outside of China's territorial waters.

Julang 1 (CSS-N-3)

   Year Deployed: 1988
   Dimensions: 10 meters length, 1.5 meters diameter
   Weight: 13,800 kilograms
   Propulsion: Two stage solid
   Throw-weight: 600 kilograms
   Range: >1,000 kilometers
   Guidance: Inertial
   Circular Error Probable: Unknown
   Warhead: Single warhead
   Yield: 2 megatons
   Locations: Xia SSBN
   Number Deployed: 12 missiles
   Primary Contractor: Unknown, but different than for the Dong Feng missiles

The Julang-1 (JL-1, or Giant Wave), referred to by the U.S. as the CSS-N-3, is a short-range-submarine launched ballistic missile. It was developed throughout the late 1970's, with the first test firings in 1982 -- initially from a submerged firing pontoon, and then from China's Golf II test submarine. Though the solid-fuel JL-1 technology was developed separately from the older Dong Feng-missiles, this improved method will be used in China's future missiles.

The JL-1 took about 15 years to develop, primarily because of difficulties in using solid propellant (this was the first Chinese missile not to use liquid fuel), problems with the smaller warhead, problems with underwater launching, and difficulties with the Xia nuclear submarine itself.

A follow on missile, the JL-2 (CSS-NX-4) is likely in the final stages of development. It will have a much longer range, on the order of 8,000 kilometers, solid propellant and a single 100-200 kiloton warhead. Despite the single warhead limitation, the increase in range will give China an effective sea-based deterrent.

Air-Based Strategic Weapons

Hong-6 (B-6 or Tu-16 Badger)

   Year Deployed: 1965
   Dimensions: 34.8 meters length, 10.4 meters height, 34.2 meters wingspan
   Weight: 75,800 kilograms maximum takeoff
   Propulsion: 2 Wopen-8 turbojets
   Throw-weight: 4,500 kg
   Range: 3,100 kilometers
   Speed: .91 Mach
   Maximum Loadout: 1-3 bombs (1 bomb likely)
   Weapon Load: 4,500 kilograms
   Yield: Unknown
   Locations: Datong (Qinghai) and other bases
   Number Deployed: 100aircraft
   Primary Contractor: Xi'an Aircraft Company

The Hong-6 is now the only long-range bomber in China's inventory, since the retirement of the Hong-5, a copy of the Soviet Il-28 Beagle. The Hong 6 itself is a copy of the Tu-16 Badger, which joined Soviet forces in 1955. The Chinese acquired licensing rights and began producing their own in the 1960s. The capabilities of the H-6 are assumed the same as the Tu-16.

The primary role of the H-6 is thought to be conventional, with a secondary nuclear one. Designed as a high-altitude bomber, this obsolete aircraft has very poor qualities for penetrating air defenses. Range estimates vary, but it is within range of U.S. forces in the Pacific, as well as Russian urban areas east of the Urals. Though Russian versions carried up to four nuclear bombs, the Chinese have showed foreign observers that the H-6 has a nuclear bomb rack for only one weapon. There are approximately 120 H-6 bombers in the Air Force, with another 50 in non-nuclear anti-shipping roles (H-6D). The H-6 has been instrumental in Chinese weapon development, with modifications made to the design of operational weapons as a result of its testing. The H-6 was used to drop several live weapons in nuclear tests at the Lop Nor site in the 1960s.

To modernize its airforce, China has been purchasing aircraft and production rights from Russia. They have acquired production rights for the Su-27 and purchased 38 SU-30s - the two-seat version of the SU-27. China began production of the SU-27 in 1998. It is not clear that either aircraft is expected to take on a nuclear role, although both can be so configured.

Qiang-5 (A-5)

   Year Deployed: 1970
   Dimensions: 15.65 meters length, 4.33 meters height, 9.86 meters wingspan
   Weight: 6,375 kilograms empty, 11,380 kilograms maximum takeoff weight
   Propulsion: 2 x Wopen-6 turbofans
   Maximum Weapon Load: 1,500 kilograms
   Range: 400 kilometers (hi-lo-hi)
   Speed: Mach 1.12
   Weapon Load: 2,000 kilograms
   Maximum Loadout: One gravity bomb in internal weapon bay
   Locations: Unknown
   Number Deployed: 30 aircraft (estimated nuclear capable)
   Primary Contractor: Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Company

The Qian-5 (referred to by NATO as the A-5 "Fantan") is a Chinese redesign of the Soviet MiG-19 fighter. The primary visual difference is the addition of a nose cone and the addition of lateral air intakes on either side of the fuselage just forward of the swept wings. The Qian-5 is a single-seat, supersonic low-level attack aircraft. There are 10 hard points for attaching munitions, as well as two 23 millimeter cannons. The pilot is safeguarded with armor plating around the cockpit as well as an ejection seat.

Nearly 1,000 aircraft were built, with 550-600 of the improved Q-5A variant. An unknown number of the Q-5As were modified to carry nuclear weapons. The assumption is that this number is small, with perhaps a regiment of 30 aircraft assigned to the nuclear role. A Q-5 used a loft bombing technique in a Chinese nuclear test in 1972. Though aging, the Q-5 retains good low-level attack capability and speed, assets the H-6 bomber lacks.

China has been working on a supersonic fighter-bomber, the Hong-7, often compared to the European Tornado. However the few that will be produced (less than 20) will be used as a naval strike aircraft, not in the nuclear role.

Gravity Bomb

   Year Deployed: Unknown
   Dimensions: Unknown
   Weight: Unknown
   Circular Error Probable: Unknown
   Yield: Unknown -- strategic version approximately 3 megatons, tactical version 5-20 kilotons
   Locations: Unknown
   Number Deployed: Unknown
   Primary Contractor: Unknown

Very little is known of Chinese gravity bombs other than they exist. The Qian-5 attack aircraft has been reported as carrying a tactical nuclear weapon with a yield of 5-20 kilotons. Several bombs have been dropped by Hong-6 bombers in atmospheric nuclear tests (like the one pictured above) with yields ranging from 15 kilotons (12/24/67) to 4 megatons (11/17/76). Given the range of yields in airborne nuclear tests, the Chinese probably have at least two bomb variants: a tactical one with a low kiloton yield, and a strategic one in the 1-3 megaton range.

Like the Soviets, the Chinese rely mainly on ballistic missiles to deliver nuclear weapons. This fact, and the fact that the Chinese arsenal is extremely small compared to those of the United States and Russia, explains China's vehement opposition to relaxation or abrogation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) between the Soviet Union and the United States. China's air delivery vehicles — the Hong-6 and the Qian-5 — are both aging platforms that lack the ability to penetrate air defenses.

Due to effective Chinese secrecy about its nuclear weapons program, it is unknown whether China has tactical nuclear weapons. The general assumption, however, is that it does indeed possess them. This is supported by evidence from various sources, including Chinese military exercises that assume the use of tactical nuclear weapons by both sides.

Such weapons might consist of about 150 low-yield bombs, artillery shells, multiple-rocket system (MRS) shells, atomic demolition mines, and perhaps short-range missiles. These were probably deployed in the 1970's, in large measure as a response to the increased tensions with the Soviets and a possibility of combat along the Sino-Soviet frontier. Atomic demolition mines, for example, might be used to close mountain passes and otherwise hamper invading troops. In 1986, Vice Minister of Defense Xiao Ke told a French delegation that China did not have tactical nuclear weapons assigned at the army divisional level, but refused to comment on higher echelons. There was even a report that a 1988 test was of a low yield "neutron" or enhanced radiation weapon.

Sources

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, "Nuclear Notebook"

Central Intelligence Agency, "Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions" (Feb. 1, 2002)

Cordesman, Anthony, Center for Strategic and International Studies, "Weapons of Mass Destruction and the Global Nuclear Balance: A Quantitative and Arms Control Analysis" (December 2001)

Federation of American Scientists

Jane's All the World's Aircraft, Ed. Paul Jackson, Alexandria, Va., Jane's Information Group, 1997-2002

Jane's Fighting Ships, Ed. Commondore Stephen Saunders, Alexandria, Va., Jane's Information Group, 1997-2002

Jane's Naval Weapon Systems, Ed. E.R. Hooton , Alexandria, Va., Jane's Information Group, 1997-2002

Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems, Ed. Duncan Lennox, Alexandria, Va., Jane's Information Group, 1997-2002

The Military Balance, The International Institute for Strategic Studies, London England, Oxford University Press, 1997-2002

National Intelligence Council, "China and Weapons of Mass Destruction: Implications for the United States," (November 1999)

Compiled by Ted Flaherty,
December 1996
Updated by Ben Friedman, CDI Research Assistant
May 14, 2002