DF-41 Dongfeng Missile: China is standing tall in the field of missiles and technology. The country’s tremendous development in the economic and technical fields has almost made the neighbouring and other countries envious. There are even reports that China has developed a 6th generation fighter jet along with the fifth generation. However, this has not been independently confirmed yet. Meanwhile, China has made remarkable advances in missile technology. Its arsenal includes weapons that naturally raise concern around the world. One such missile is the DF-41 Dongfeng, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of 15,000 kilometers. The DF-41 can travel at an incredible speed of about 31,000 kilometres per hour (Mach 25) and has the power to destroy targets almost instantly. In comparison, India’s BrahMos cruise missile falls short of the DF-41 in terms of speed, range, and warhead capacity.
Last year, Beijing sent a strong message about its nuclear capability and strategic power when, after nearly four decades, China tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) beyond its borders. This test once again drew international attention to China’s progress in missile technology. It is believed that the DF-31AG, a third-generation weapon, was used in this test. However, the real focus is on China’s more advanced, fourth-generation ICBM, the DF-41, which is considered the most potent weapon in China’s strategic arsenal today.
History of DF-41
The DF-41 missile was officially launched in 2017 as part of the Dongfeng series. “Dongfeng” means “East Wind.” The name was inspired by a speech from Mao Zedong, in which he said that after acquiring ballistic missile technology from the former Soviet Union, the world now had two winds: the East Wind and the West Wind. Development of the DF-41 began in 1986. Its first test took place in 1994, and by 2010 it was deployed by China’s Second Artillery Corps.
Beijing gave a big message about its nuclear capability and strategic power last year, when after almost four decades, China tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) outside its soil. This test once again focused the attention of international circles on Beijing’s missile progress. It is believed that DF-31AG, which is a third generation weapon, was used in this test. But, the real discussion is about China’s more advanced and fourth generation ICBM DF-41, which is considered to be the sharpest weapon of China’s strategic power today.
