DF-41

China's road-mobile, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile — capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) and reaching the continental United States from dispersed launch points deep inside China.

Overview

The Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) is the longest-range missile in China's nuclear arsenal and the backbone of the PLA Rocket Force's road-mobile intercontinental deterrent. It is a three-stage, solid-propellant ICBM that can deliver multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) to intercontinental ranges, first fielded operationally in 2020. The system improves survivability through high off-road mobility on an eight-axle transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) and, according to US assessments, is also being explored for rail-mobile and silo basing. With an estimated range of 12,000–15,000 km, the DF-41 can hold targets across the continental United States from launch points deep inside China, complicating adversary pre-launch targeting.

🔒 The full DF-41 file is for BattlePolicy Pro members. Below the line: development history, design and capabilities, variants, the combat record, advantages and limitations, comparable systems, outlook, the full specifications table, our sourcing, and the analyst assessment — procurement, suppliers and the BattlePolicy verdict. Unlock the full file with BattlePolicy Pro →