Beijing’s Dongfeng-41 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test was broadcast over China Central Television on Sunday, about one week after images of the multi-warhead missile went viral across Chinese social media platforms.
The missile has been tested eight times, according to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, which reported that the most recent launch took place early November somewhere in China’s western desert region.
DF-41 is one of the farthest traveling ICBMs in the world, rubbing shoulders with Israel’s Jericho 3, Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh and the US’ LGM-30 Minuteman III.
According to Chinese state media, the ICBM has a range of 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles), can strike within 328 feet (100 meters) of its intended target, and cruises faster than Mach 10 (7,672 miles per hour).
The missile measures approximately 16.5 meters (54 feet) in length and 2.78 meters in diameter (9.1 feet) and carries up to 10 warheads.
During the airing of the video, Yang Chengjun, a weapons expert, stated that the missile «can hit every corner of the Earth, allowing China to counter a nuclear strike on the country.»
The missile can launch from a variety of platforms, including from a stationary silo as well as mobile rail and road platforms.
The Global Times, a Chinese state-run media outlet, reported earlier this month that the DF-41 would be commissioned with the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force. Nevertheless, former military officials have said on CCTV that the missile is already operational.
