Missile capacity gives PLA cutting edge

Veteran missile

DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missile. WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY

The last model displayed in the missile formation was the DF-5B, the latest variant of the three-decade-old, liquid-propellant DF-5 intercontinental ballistic missile.

It was also a big star featured by the PLA Second Artillery Corps because of its ability to carry a multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle, according to Senior Colonel Shao.

MIRV technology allows a ballistic missile to carry several warheads in a single mission, with each being capable of being aimed to hit one of a group of targets.

"China has been one of the undoubted leaders in MIRV technology for many years. Therefore, although the DF-5 is an old type, it now can be equipped with multiple warheads to retain its status as the PLA's most powerful weapon," she noted.

The DF-5, China's first-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, which debuted at the 1984 Tian'anmen Square parade to mark the 35th anniversary of New China, was not displayed during military parades in 1999 and 2009. Therefore, Thursday's parade was regarded by many observers as what will probably be its final public appearance.

The colossal missile, which is silo-based, is believed to have a maximum range of 12,000 km and a 3,000-kg nuclear warhead with a blast yield of up to 5 megatons, according to the Federation of American Scientists.

Its upgraded version, the DF-5A, has an extended range of about 15,000 km and an increased throw-weight capable of carrying a 3,200-kg nuclear warhead, the organization noted.

Shao said the comprehensive display of the Chinese military's strategic armaments shows the world that the PLA is continuing to improve its transparency and openness, and that the country is confident in its military strength.

Hou stated: "Thanks to the rapid advances in defense technology, the overall capability of our strategic missiles has become first-rate in the world, with some top technologies being developed by China."

The experts' remarks were echoed by Gao, the military observer, who said this missile prowess means that China will have a strong defensive capacity.