China Unveils Dongfeng-5C ICBM: A Global Striker
China has unveiled the Dongfeng-5C (DF-5C), a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking any point on the planet. The DF-5C was presented during a large military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in attendance.
The DF-5C boasts an extended range of over 20,000 km, more than doubling the reach of its predecessor, the DF-5B, which could travel around 12,000 km. This enhanced range allows the DF-5C to strike targets across the globe. The missile's rollout coincides with accelerating nuclear modernization programs worldwide, including the US upgrading its Minuteman III missiles and Russia deploying its RS-28 Sarmat ICBM.
The DF-5C features next-generation guidance, combining inertial navigation, celestial correction, and Beidou satellite positioning. This advanced system ensures accurate targeting. Notably, the DF-5C is mobile in three segments, enabling quicker deployment compared to earlier silo-based models. China's rapid expansion of missile silos in regions like Xinjiang and Gansu signals a shift in Beijing's advanced auto doctrine.
The DF-5C travels at hypersonic speed and has multiple warhead capabilities, hinting at a more assertive posture. Its MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle) payload allows it to deliver up to 10 nuclear warheads simultaneously, enhancing its strategic impact.
The DF-5C's unveiling underscores China's growing confidence as a global advanced auto power. With its extended range, advanced guidance, and multiple warhead capabilities, the DF-5C signals a more assertive stance in Beijing's advanced auto doctrine. The missile's public presentation, attended by Putin and Kim Jong-un, also highlights growing alignment among these three states.
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