| Country: |
People's Republic of China |
| Alternate Name: |
DF-5A |
| Class: |
ICBM |
| Basing: |
Silo based |
| Length: |
36.00 m |
| Diameter: |
3.35 m |
| Launch Weight: |
183000 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead or 4 to 6 MIRV, 3200 kg |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear single 4 MT, MIRV 150-350 kT |
| Propulsion: |
2-stage liquid |
| Range: |
13000 km |
| Status: |
Operational |
| In Service: |
1986 |
Details
The CSS-4 is an intercontinental-range, silo-based, liquid propellant engine. It is the first intercontinental-range ballistic missile developed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The CSS-4 ultimately derives the technology and equipment used in its development to advances made during the creation of the CSS-3. The CSS-4 is the first PRC missile that could reach targets inside of the continental US. The CSS-4A is an improved version of the CSS-4, with improved reliability and capabilities.
The CSS-4 was the first Chinese missile to truly threaten the United States. While previous missiles could strike strategic targets in Russia and US military bases in Asia, the CSS-4 was the first that could strike the continental US. The accuracy and yield of the warhead makes it easily capable of destroying large cities and military bases. This provides the PRC with a missile force capable of undermining the military strength of the United States within Asia, as well as put pressure on key US allies. The missile also provides the PRC with the ability to exert pressure on the US to accomplish political or military aims, particularly with respect to the Republic of China (ROC). 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.” A similar policy likely exists with regard to Russia.
The CSS-4A is an improved version of the CSS-4, with a 1,000 km (621 miles) increase in range and 300 m CEP increase in accuracy. It has an effective range of 13,000 km (8,078 miles) and delivers a payload of 3,200 kg. This payload can be equipped with a 1 to 3 MT yield nuclear warhead. An unconfirmed report states the payload has also been equipped with Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) taken from the CSS-9, numbering between four and six warheads with individual yields of 150-350 kT. The CSS-4A is reported to also be equipped with chaff and decoys, penetration aids which increase its effectiveness against any opposing missile defense system. Its inertial guidance system provides it with an estimated accuracy of 500 m CEP. It has a length of 36 m, a width of 3.35 m and a launch weight of 183,000 kg. It uses a two-stage liquid propellant engine.
The CSS-4 entered development in 1965. The first flight test occurred in 1971, with the first silo launch occurring in 1979. The missile is believed to have entered service in 1981 and was initially deployed in hardened silos in central China. The CSS-4A entered service in 1986. The similarity between PRC space launch vehicles and the CSS-4/-4A result in conflicting estimates of between 20 and 50 CSS-4/-4A missiles deployed. The missiles are expected to begin being replaced by the DF-31A in 2005.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007), 12-13.
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)
