| Country: |
People's Republic of China |
| Alternate Name: |
DF-31 |
| Class: |
ICBM |
| Basing: |
Road/railcar-mobile |
| Length: |
13.00 m |
| Diameter: |
2.25 m |
| Launch Weight: |
42 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead or 3 to 5 MIRV, 1050 to 1750 kg |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear single 1 MT or MIRV selectable 20, 90, 150 kT each |
| Propulsion: |
3-stage solid |
| Range: |
8,000 km (DF-31); 10,000 km (DF-31A) km |
| Status: |
Operational |
| In Service: |
1999 (DF-31); 2002 (DF-31A) |
Details
The CSS-9 is an intercontinental-range, road mobile, solid propellant ballistic missile developed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It was developed as a land-based version of the submarine-launched JL-2 (CSS-NX-5) ballistic missile. Since the CSS-9 has its origins in a sea-launched ballistic missile, it can be easily adapted for mobile launch systems. The system is ideal for the PRC philosophy of a hidden nuclear force which can be rapidly deployed against strategic threats. It is the most advanced PRC ballistic missile currently in service, though the CSS-X-10 will soon replace it as such. There is an upgraded version under development, as well as a version to be used for satellite launch.
The CSS-9 is an effective strategic system that has significantly increased the PRC’s nuclear strike capabilities. Though the PRC’s land-based systems are unable to directly threaten much beyond the west coast of the United States, the CSS-9 is a modern ICBM system that threatens Russia and India, two major PRC rivals. However, the CSS-9 missile system can easily reach all of the US with the placement aboard cargo ships disguised as shipping containers. The self-contained launch system could easily be placed on a PRC ship and launched against targets in the US. It is likely that a number of PRC cargo ships carry CSS-9 missiles to act as a sea-based nuclear response/strike force. Similarly, these containers could be smuggled into and stored in PRC controlled warehouses throughout the Americas. The modular nature of these modern missile systems makes them extremely dangerous since they do not need to follow tradition missile tactics. Even with modern satellite systems, the combination of hidden road and cross-country mobile launchers, missile silos, and rail/ship launchers make it impossible to destroy most of these missiles prior to launch.
The CSS-9 has capabilities against both hardened missile silos and civilian population centers. The silo-based version of the CSS-9 has a reported accuracy of 100 m CEP, which is sufficient to destroy hardened missile silos if equipped with one of the higher yield MIRV warheads. Though the reported accuracy on the Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) system is too low for effective use against silos, the addition of a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system would likely give it counterforce capabilities. The missile can be equipped with a single high yield warhead or Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles (MIRV) warheads and is highly effective at depopulating cities with either configuration. The MIRV warheads allow of the striking of multiple civilian population centers with a single missile, rather than completely destroying one.
The CSS-9 is a large threat to the safety of rivals of the PRC. The United States in particular has received direct threats from the PRC related to US assistance provided to Taiwan. During a 1996 confrontation regarding PRC missile tests off the coast of Taiwan, a senior Communist Chinese official (and frequent policy spokesman), told a US official not to interfere with relations between the PRC and Taiwan because Americans “care more about Los Angeles than they do Tai Pei.” This demonstrates a willingness on the part of the PRC to use nuclear weapons to accomplish political ends, despite the PRC’s insistence that it will not be the first to deploy nuclear weapons. A similar situation likely exists in respect for Russia and India. The development of such an advanced missile system also brings considerable prestige to the PRC.
The original CSS-9 (DF-31) has a range of 8,000 km (4,971 miles) and delivers a payload of between 1,050 and 1,750 kg. This payload can be equipped with a single 1 MT nuclear yield warhead or up to 5 MIRVs. It is believed that the MIRVs have a selectable yield of 20, 90 and 150 kT, enabling the missile commander to set the nuclear yield depending on the mission requirement. It is also equipped with penetration aids and decoys. The missile is expected to have an accuracy of at least 300 m CEP, though it is reported that the silo and TEL-based version have 100 and 150 m CEP respectively. It has a launch weight of 42,000 kg with a length of 13.0 m and a body diameter of 2.25 m. It uses an inertial guidance system that is equipped with a stellar update system. It has a three-stage solid propellant engine which gives the missile a long service life and a short launch time.
Since 2001 several reports have suggested that an upgraded CSS-9 (DF-31A) is being created. It has a range of at least 10,000 km (7,465 miles) and delivers a payload of between 1,050 and 1,750 kg. This payload can be equipped with a single 1 MT nuclear yield warhead or up to 5 MIRVs. It is believed that the MIRVs have a selectable yield of 20, 90 and 150 kT, enabling the missile commander to set the nuclear yield depending on the mission requirement. It is also equipped with penetration aids and decoys. The missile is expected to have an accuracy of at least 300 m CEP, though it is reported that the silo and TEL-based version have 100 and 150 m CEP respectively. It has a launch weight of 47,200 kg with a length of 18.4 m and a body diameter of 2.25 m. It uses an inertial guidance system that is equipped with a stellar update system. It has a three-stage solid propellant engine that gives the missile a long service life and a short launch time.
The forerunner of the CSS-9, the JL-2 (CSS-NX-10) submarine-launched missile entered development in 1970. The land-based version of the JL-2, was later designated as the DF-31 after a 1985 change in the operational requirements. The CSS-9 entered service in 1999, with two regiments reported operational. The missiles are believed to be stored in caves, and will be transported to launch sites in the event of an order to launch. The CSS-9, while categorized as an ICBM, will probably replace the CSS-3 systems while the newer DF-41 will replace the CSS-4 missile fleet which currently serves as the backbone of the PRC’s missile threat against the US. It is expected that between 10 to 40 missiles were built in the first batch with 70 to 80 more to come. The upgraded version of the CSS-9 is under development. A modernized CSS-9 is undergoing testing as a space delivery vehicle. It is expected that this system will enter service in 2009.
Eventually, the three-stage CSS-9 could be coupled with an extra stage to increase its range to 12,000 km (7,456 miles) while maintaining payload capacity. Additionally, it has been rumored that plans exist to cut off one stage of the CSS-9 and deploy it as the DF-25. These missiles would have advantage of the new miniaturization technologies similar to the technologies that were reported stolen by the PRC in the 1990s.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007), 19-21.
China Test Launches Dong Feng-31 ICBM
September 5, 2006 :: Itar-Tass :: News
China yesterday test launched a CSS-9 (Dong Feng-31) intercontinental ballistic missile, according to a report by Itar-Tass. The missile was launched from the Wuzhai site towards the Taklimakan desert and traveled approximately 2,500 kilometers, according to a Russian official. Itar-Tass notes that an improved longer-range version, the Dongfeng-31A, is expected to be commissioned in 2007. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: CSS-9 (DF-31)
Classified Section of China Report Said to Specify Missile Capabilities
July 27, 2005 :: BBC Worldwide Monitoring :: News
An alleged “classified section” of the Pentagon’s 2005 China report may provide greater detail on China’s missile capabilities. The Taiwanese Central News Agency cites an article posted on a website which monitors Chinese weaponry(www.zgjunshi.com) as saying that the classified version of the Pentagon’s recent report on the military power of China specifies that the communist nation has nine brigades armed with ICBMs capable of reaching the U.S. Of these, three are armed with the road-mobile Dong Feng-31 (CSS-9), and the other six with the silo-based Dong Feng-5 (CSS-4). The website also claims that China’s 094 submarines, armed with strategic missiles, have undertaken sea trials and could become a less expensive way for China to deploy its ICBMs. The article’s claims are unconfirmed, and the Taipei-based Central News Agency notes that “It was unclear how reporters from the China-based website were able to gain access to secret Pentagon information.”
The claims reported by the Taiwanese news service may, however, simply be a case of the Chinese demonstrating that the classified section of the document is within their reach, or perhaps of China making a statement about the report’s findings by means of an article posted online. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: China
» Missile details: CSS-4, CSS-9 (DF-31)
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)
IISS: Eight DF-31 Missiles Deployed
November 24, 2004 :: East Asia Intel :: News
In its Military Balance review published in mid-October, the International Institute of Strategic Studies reported that China has deployed some eight DF-31 ICBMs, notes East Asia Intel. Although some claimed that this is the first report that the DF-31 (CSS-9) has actually been operationally deployed, this is not the case. Specifying that eight are deployed, however, is significant, and may be the first such count. Given the cautious methodology of the IISS, however, the actual number deployed may be considerably more. Department of Defense and CIA estimates have been more circumspect yet, not reporting that the DF-31 has been deployed at all. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: China
» Missile details: CSS-9 (DF-31)
China Military Exercise May Have Included Test of DF-31, Other Missiles
July 27, 2004 :: News
Two weeks ago, several reports indicated that China that it would be testing three missiles during its large military exercises preparing for an assault against Taiwan. The missiles included the DF-31 ICBM, as well as the DF-21 and the JL-2. Two Chinese news services, People’s Daily and Xinhau noted on July 22 that China had notified Russia of its intent to conduct the test during its military exercise, which have since taken place, on July 26. A subsequent report by East Asia Intel suggested that the test would not include the DF-21, since that test had apparently already taken place earlier this year.
Since there has been little media coverage of China’s exercises, it remains unclear if the missile tests were carried out as planned. (Link)
» More stories on: China, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: CSS-5 Mod 2, CSS-5, CSS-9 (DF-31), CSS-NX-5 (JL-2)
Chinese Missile Tests, Wargames, to Intimidate Taiwan
July 13, 2004 :: Reuters :: News
China plans to conduct a large military exercise later this month to demonstrate its military and especially air superiority to neighboring Taiwan. The exercise to take place at Dongshan island, 150 miles from Taiwan, is said to include several ballistic missile tests as well, including the medium range DF-21 (CSS-5), the mobile, long range DF-31 (CSS-9) ICBM, and the submarine launched version of the DF-31, the JL-2 (CSS-NX-5), reports the Russian Itar-Tass news agency. One year ago, in June 2003, Bill Gertz reported that China planned to test the same three missiles in the coming month.
It is worth noting that Beijing’s test will coincide with the visit to China by National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice. Since China would have no need to use an ICBM against such a near target as Taiwan, one must suppose that the launch of two ICBMs, the DF-31 and JL-2, could be a signal to the United States that it should not interfere with a Chinese attack on the island.
Itar-Tass claims that the test will be of a new version of the DF-31, with an increased range and multiple warhead capability. The two land-based missiles will reportedly be fired from the Wuzhai testing ground in Shanxi Province, and will be directed at China’s northeast, the Lop Nur test range. A Chinese government report released July 4 describes the test as both the “largest scale exercise this year,” and that it is meant to serve a “substantial warning” to Taiwan. (Article, Link)
» June 30, 2003: China Set to Test Missiles
» More stories on: China, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: CSS-5 Mod 2, CSS-5, CSS-9 (DF-31), CSS-NX-5 (JL-2)
Pentagon Report: China’s Space Power Increasing
June 1, 2004 :: Department of Defense :: Analysis
The Department of Defense released its annual report to Congress, The Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, which details China’s continued expansion of their ballistic missile capabilities, and ambitions of military superiority in the region, as well as significant ambitions in space.
The report also notes that China is devoting significant electronic warfare systems which could be used to jam the US GPS constellation, as well as “robust” research and development program for laser weapons. In addition, “Beijing may have acquired high-energy laser equipment that could be used in the development of ground-based anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.”
Space, too, is essential to the future of modern warfare, and China is pursuing electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons, and “microsatellites.” All of this continues, despite China’s salutary denials of the militarization of space, and criticism of any American attempts to defend space assets: “Publicly, China opposes the militarization of space and seeks to prevent or slow the development of U.S. anti-satellite (ASAT) systems and space-based missile defenses,” the report notes; “Privately, however, China’s leaders probably view ASAT systems—and offensive counterspace systems, in general—as well as space-based missile defenses as inevitabilities.” China is said to be pursuing foreign technologies to develop its own domestic satellite-killing capability; “Given China’s current level of interest in laser technology, Beijing probably could develop a weapon that could destroy satellites in the future,” the report notes.
China also continues to modernize and accelerate its ballistic missile arsenal. China officially has only 20 ICBMs capable of striking the United States, but the report notes that it could have 30 by 2005, and as many as 60 by the end of the decade. Beijing is also expected to replace its 20 CSS-4 Mod 1 ICBMs with a still longer-range version, and to deploy the DF-31 ICBM by the end of the decade—if they have not done so already. (More »»»)
» Annual report, The Military Power of the People’s Republic of China (.pdf)
» More stories on: China, Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Weapons, Proliferation, Space-Based Systems
» Missile details: CSS-9 (DF-31)
China Set to Test Missiles
June 20, 2003 :: Inside the Ring (Washington Times) :: News
China is reportedly planning to test three missiles in the coming weeks, the new long-range and mobile DF-31, the medium range DF-21, and the JL-2 SLBM. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: China, Proliferation, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: CSS-5 Mod 2, CSS-5, CSS-9 (DF-31), CSS-NX-5 (JL-2)
Russia: China Test Launches CSS-X-9
January 22, 2003 :: Jane's Information Group :: News
The February 1 edition of Janes Missiles and Rockets reports that Russia detected a launch and test of the new Chinese mobile ICBM on November 23, 2002. The DF-31 tested, also known as the CSS-X-9, was launched from a test site at Uchzhai in the Tekimakan desert and went some 1,700 km before impact.
Janes notes that according to the Department of Defense, the DF-31 will likely be operational “before mid-decade.” (Link)
» More stories on: China, Proliferation, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: CSS-9 (DF-31)
