DF-61

DF-61
DF-61 missile at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade
Type	Intercontinental ballistic missile
Place of origin	China
Service history
In service	2025–present
Used by	People's Liberation Army Rocket Force
Specifications
Operational range	~12,100–18,000 kilometres (7,500–11,200 mi)
Launch platform	Transporter erector launcher

The Dongfeng-61 (simplified Chinese: 东风-61; traditional Chinese: 東風-61; lit. 'East Wind-61', DF-61) is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the People’s Republic of China. It is likely nuclear-armed and may be a variant or successor to the DF-41.

Description

The DF-61 is a road-mobile missile and is likely nuclear-armed. The transporter erector launcher is seemingly identical to the one used by the DF-41; the DF-61 may be a variant or successor to the DF-41. Reported ranges include 7,500 miles (12,100 km) - similar to the DF-41- and 18,000 kilometres (11,000 mi)

History

The missile made its first official public appearance during the 2025 China Victory Day Parade as part of the nuclear missile section. A Federation of American Scientists article described the appearance of the DF-61 as a "surprise" since it seemed similar to the DF-41, a missile already deployed at the time.

Earlier "DF-61" program

The "DF-61" designation was used by a tactical nuclear missile development program from 1976-1977. It was a response to North Korea's interest to acquire 600 km range missiles from China, although no agreement was made. Development began as a counter to the Soviet Union. The decision not to emphasize tactical weapons in the nuclear weapons program probably ended development.

Sources

• Zhang, Hui (2025). The Untold Story of China's Nuclear Weapon Development and Testing: A Technical History. Belfer Center Studies in International Security. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press. ISBN 978-0-262-05182-8.

See also

• China and weapons of mass destruction