China's DF-41 long-range nuclear missile 'closer to operational'

The military has again tested its newest long-range missile in what could mark a big step forward in the PLA's nuclear capabilities.

The People's Liberation Army tested the Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry multiple warheads, on August 6, US website The Washington Free Beacon reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed US defence officials.

The DF-41 can hit any US city and is one of China's most powerful nuclear missiles. It was the fourth time the missile had been tested in three years, and a successful test would mean it was closer to becoming operational, the report said.

The test was significant because it confirm ed the missile's ability to deploy multiple warheads, the report quoted US defence officials as saying.

The website's previous reports on Chinese missile tests were later confirmed by Chinese state media. The Pentagon expected the missile to be ready for deployment as early as this year, the report said.

With an estimated range of 12,000km, one missile can carry up to 10 warheads that can separate from the body of the rocket and target individual destinations in the final stage of flight, making defence difficult.