| Country: |
People's Republic of China |
| Associated Country: |
Saudi Arabia |
| Alternate Name: |
DF-3A |
| Class: |
IRBM |
| Basing: |
Surface based |
| Length: |
21.20 m |
| Diameter: |
2.25 m |
| Launch Weight: |
64000 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead, 2150 kg or 2500 kg |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear 3 MT, HE |
| Propulsion: |
Single-stage liquid |
| Range: |
2,800 km |
| Status: |
Operational |
| In Service: |
1988 |
Details
The CSS-2 is an intermediate-range, surface-based, liquid propellant ballistic missile. It is the oldest operational ballistic missile deployed in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The CSS-2 was designed as a replacement for the previous CSS-1 design, which used a primitive liquid propellant that could not be effectively stored. This prevented the weapon from remaining fueled for long periods of time or being launched under short notice. It also had an increased payload and range, capable of striking all US bases in the Philippines while carrying a payload sufficient for the estimated load of a hydrogen bomb. The CSS-2A was later developed as an improved version upon the CSS-2.
The CSS-2A was designed as a strategic asset. Its ability to strike US military bases as far as the Philippines enabled the PRC to undermine the US military’s authority in the region. During the Korean War, the PRC attempted to forcibly expel the US from the region using soldiers; nuclear weapons would provide a far stronger threat. The CSS-2A also provides a range capable of threatening almost all Indian and a number of Russian cities, providing a powerful threat in the case of hostilities. However, it is unable to directly threaten the United States or major Russian cities. Its accuracy and payload rendered it capable of engaging large targets such as civilian population centers, but it could not be effectively used against enemy missile silos, even if any were within range. The size of its warhead makes the CSS-2 ideal for depopulating cities. It is also used to exert pressure upon the surrounding countries, such as threatening nations that contest the PRC’s claim to disputed territory.
The CSS-2A has a range of 2,800 km (1,740 miles) and can carry a payload of either 2,150 or 2,500 kg. However, a reduced payload can give it a range as far as 4,000 km (2,485 miles). The payload is equipped with a single 1 to 3 MT yield nuclear warhead, though a high explosive warhead was also developed for export. It uses an inertial system with an accuracy of 1,000 m CEP. It has a length of 21.2 m, a width of 2.25 m and a launch weight of 64,000 kg. It uses a single-stage liquid propellant engine. In 1985, the PRC attempted to develop a new delivery system for the CSS-2A, most likely a Multiple Reentry Vehicle (MRV) system designed to strike dispersed targets with a single warhead. However, it is believed that these attempts were unsuccessful and the original, single warhead remains equipped on the CSS-2A.
The CSS-2 system entered development in the early 1960s, with a series of flight tests having occurred from 1966 to 1968. The CSS-2A was designed to modernize the obsolete system and began development in the early 1980s. Flight tests for the CSS-2A occurred in 1986. Despite being a relatively obsolete design, the missile remains in service to maintain the PRC’s nuclear dominance of the region. In recent years, the PRC has reported a steep decline in the number of CSS-2A missiles as the more modern DF-25 and CSS-N-3s become prevalent. The PRC has begun to rely more upon sea-launched systems, particularly cruise missiles. These systems are better suited for deployment against island nations such as Japan or the Republic of China (ROC).
The CSS-2A system was sold to Saudi Arabia in 1987, equipped with a specifically designed high explosive warhead. It is reported that between 50 and 60 missiles have been deployed by Saudi Arabia in two launch sites, with between 10 and 15 transport vehicle systems. It is unknown whether Saudi Arabia was sold older missiles that were being replaced or operational missiles that were in previously in service. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the PRC also developed chemical warheads for export to Saudi Arabia.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007), 6-7.
Pentagon Releases Report on Chinese Military Power
July 20, 2005 :: Department of Defense :: News
The Pentagon has released its annual report to Congress on Chinese military power, which describes China at “a strategic crossroads.” The 45-page report covers a host of topics, including Chinese military strategy and doctrine, the effects of military modernization, and an assessment of the security situation in the Taiwan Strait. “Questions remain about the basic choices China’s leaders will make as China’s power and influence grow, particularly its military power.” Of particular note is attention to such themes as China’s defense spending, strategic missile forces, the increasing number of short range missiles deployed near Taiwan, space policy, and the threat posed by a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse. (More »»»)
» NY Times: China’s Military Geared to Deterring Taiwan, Report Says
» Text of 2004 DOD Report on Chinese Military Power
» More stories on: China, Chinese Missile Defenses, Space-Based Systems
» Missile details: CSS-2, CSS-2A, CSS-3, CSS-4, CSS-4A, CSS-5 Mod 2, CSS-5, CSS-9 (DF-31), CSS-NX-5 (JL-2)
» Missile system details for: S-300P (SA-10 Grumble)
Sokolski on North Korean Proliferation
August 19, 2003 :: OpinionJournal.com :: Analysis
Henry Sokolski discusses the likely prospect of North Korea proliferating nuclear warheads and more advanced delivery systems to countries like Saudi Arabia, if the upcoming meeting between the U.S., China, North Korea, Japan and South Korea does not defuse the North Korean problem.
Saudi Arabia already has a number of CSS-2 missiles, with a range of 2,400km, which it acquired from China during the early 1990s. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: North Korea, Proliferation
» Missile details: CSS-2, CSS-2A
