China has performed flight test with DF-5C ICBM InterContinental Ballistic Missile 10202173

Defense & Security News - China
 
China has performed flight test with DF-5C ICBM InterContinental Ballistic Missile.
China has performed flight test with the DF-5C, a Chinese-made three stage ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). The flight test of the DF-5C missile was carried out earlier this month using 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, or MIRVs.
     
China has performed flight test with the DF-5C, a Chinese-made three stage ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). The flight test of the DF-5C missile was carried out earlier this month using 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, or MIRVs. The physical layout of the DF-5C could be similar to the DF-5B.
     
The Dongfeng-5C missile, carrying 10 dummy warheads, was launched from the Taiyuan Space Launch Centre in Shanxi province, and flew to a desert in western China, the report said. The DF-5C missile is the latest version of the DF-5 ICBM family, an intercontinental ballistic missile that first went into service in the early 1980's.

The DF-5 ICBM was first tested in September 1971, it had a range of 10,000 to 12,000 km which allowed to be used against western part of United States. Beginning in 1983 the Chinese inaugurated the improved DF-5A, with an increased of over 13,000 km and a more accurate guidance system.

An improved version, named DF-5B, was shown to the public during the parade in Beijing celebrating 70 years since the end of World War II on September 3, 2015. The physical size of the DF-5B is identical to the DF-5A (CSS-4 Mod 2) but it has been upgraded to carry MIRV (Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicle) warheads.

In total, China is estimated to be in possession of 260 nuclear warheads, with an unknown number of them active and ready to deploy. However, as of 2013, United States Intelligence estimates the Chinese active ICBM arsenal to range between 50 and 75 land and sea based missiles.

In December 2015, China inaugurated three new military forces: a general command for the army, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Strategic Support Force, and the PLA Rocket Force.

The creation of the Rocket Force is part of a larger move to restructure China’s military with a streamlined command under the direct control of the Central Military Commission. The new force is considered the fourth branch in China’s military, on equal footing with the PLA Army, Navy, and Air Force.