The missile reportedly has an operational range between 12,000 to 15,000 kilometres (7,500 to 9,300 mi).[1] It is believed to have a top speed of Mach 25,[6] and to be capable of MIRV delivery (up to 10).[7] The development of the MIRV technology is reported to be in response to the deployment of the United States national missile defense system which degrades China's nuclear deterrence capability.[8] The project started in 1986,[7] and may now be coupled with the JL-3 program.
Though there have been reports that the DF-41 can carry 3 to 8 warheads, analysts think it most likely carries only three warheads, with the additional payload used for many penetration aids.[9]
The U.S. Department of Defense in its 2013 report to Congress on China's military developments made no explicit mention of the DF-41, but did state that "China may also be developing a new road-mobile ICBM, possibly capable of carrying a multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV)", which may refer to the DF-41.[11]
In August 2014, China's Shaanxi Provincial Environmental Monitoring Center website accidentally published a news report about an environmental monitoring site for a DF-41 ICBM; the news report (and entire website) was taken down shortly after getting public attention.[12]
In August 2015, the missile was flight-tested for the fourth time.[3] In December 2015, the missile was flight-tested for the fifth time.[citation needed] In April 2016, China successfully conducted the 7th test of DF-41.[citation needed]
On January 23, 2017, China was reported to have deployed a strategic ballistic missile brigadetoHeilongjiang province, bordering Russia, along with another strategic ballistic missile brigade deploying to Xinjiang.[13]
In November 2017, just two days before U.S. President Trump's visit to China, the DF-41 was tested in the Gobi desert.[14][15]
In 2021, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) said China was building 120 missile silos for DF-41 near YumeninGansu and another 110 missile silos near HamiinXinjiang.[18]
A third site was discovered to be under construction near OrdosinInner Mongolia in August, 2021. The new site will hold more than 100 ICBM.[19]
Together, the three new missile bases will house 350 to 400 new long-range nuclear missiles, U.S. officials said.[20][21]
