US within reach: China shows off new and improved advanced missile system
A model of the Dongfeng-31AG intercontinental ballistic missile – capable of hitting the US and Europe and with a more mobile off-road trailer and launcher – goes on display at military museum
China has publicly displayed for the first time a model of an advanced form of one its intercontinental ballistic missiles as the country’s military prepares to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army later this year.
A model of the Dongfeng-31AG – an upgraded version of the DF-31A – was shown for the first time at an exhibition marking the anniversary at the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution in Beijing last week.
The new missile system is expected to share a similar estimated range of 11,000km with the DF-31A – enough to reach most locations within the continental United States and the capitals of Europe – but will be more mobile thanks to its new carrier vehicle design, military experts said.
The DF-31AG is based on an eight axle launch vehicle that can go off-road – the DF-31A’s carrier is limited to hard surfaced roads.
The Macau-based military expert Antony Wong Dong said the new type of missile system adopted technology used in intermediate-range missiles such as the DF-26 and long-range DF-41. They do not need a prepared launch site as their carriers can stop at any time to fire a nuclear warhead.
“Its survival capability is greatly enhanced,” Wong said.