Chinese Dongfeng-26 ballistic missile commissioned


The Dongfeng-26 ballistic missile has been commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force, said Wu Qian, spokesperson with China's Defense Ministry, on Thursday 26 April.


Chinese Dongfeng 26 ballistic missile commissioned
The DF-26C is an IRBM with a range of at least 3,500 km (2,200 miles) (Picture source: China.org)


The new medium- and long-range ballistic missile was completely developed by the Chinese and will serve for nuclear strikes in short notice and conventional precision strikes, against targets on land and large- and medium-sized warships, Wu said at a press conference. "China has not changed its defensive nuclear strategy nor the policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons," he said.

The DF-26C is an IRBM with a range of at least 3,500 km (2,200 miles), far enough to reach U.S. naval bases in Guam. Few details are known, but it is believed to be solid-fuelled and road-mobile, allowing it to be stored in underground bunkers and fired at short notice, hence difficult to counter. It is possible that the DF-26C is a follow-up version of the DF-21. Possible warheads include conventional, nuclear or even maneuverable anti-ship and hypersonic warheads.