September 1, 2002 :: Jane's Information Group :: News
The September 1 edition of Janes Missiles and Rockets reports that the early July test of their CSS-5 ballistic missile (range 2,150-2,500km) may have included the test of countermeasures, desinged to overcome ballistic missile defenses, such as those the United States will deploy around 2004-2005, after the June 13, 2002 withdrawal from the ABM Treaty.
If true, the timing of the test of countermeasures may very likely suggest a “message” to the United States that China will do all within its power to retain a strong offensive nuclear capability against America.
Janes cites US press reports that the missile test involved the deploying of six or seven decoy warheads besides its main payload warhead. The CSS-5 can carry a high explosive or a nuclear warhead of up to 300 kT yield.
This particular test of the CSS-5, or DF-21, began with a launch from the Jiangxi province and traveling some 1,300 km into the Kansu province. The DF-21 has a solid propellant, more advanced than liquid propellants and capable of much faster launch readiness.
According to Janes, China’s IRBM force is said to be located in the provinces of Datong in central China, Jianshui in southern China, Tonghua in northeast China, and Lianxiwang in western China.
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