I share this perspective on the DF-61. The DF-61 series must have undergone significant modifications, otherwise it wouldn't have been assigned an entirely new designation. Moreover, incrementing the first digit directly to 6 represents an unprecedented adjustment in PLA missile numbering systems. We still don't know whether this signifies six booster stages, six independent hypersonic glide vehicles, or something else entirely—this awaits clarification in the accompanying commentary.
China ICBM/SLBM, nuclear arms thread
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
Wait a minute! Is the parade intending to show that the JL-2 and JL-3 can be launched interchangeably from all 094 class boomers?
I believe we should await further commentary, but based on common sense, I doubt the PLA would showcase a weapon incapable of being deployed on its current strategic nuclear submarines, given that all equipment displayed this time was explicitly stated to be operational and combat-ready. Moreover, judging by the casing, this adaptation appears entirely feasible. I am confident that PLA designers, when developing these missiles, would have prioritized maximizing combat effectiveness by leveraging existing weapon systems to their fullest potential.
yes.. entirely new designation means a new ICBM. i think this time they didn't bother to show the actual missile but to use older DF-41 TEL and tube.. The announcement of new ICBM and SLBM matter the most.
I think this might be because military enthusiasts have been spoiled, haha. The DF-41 isn't outdated at all—it represents the pinnacle of mobile nuclear forces, doesn't it? Plus, we'll see more advanced variants of the DF-41 in the future.
Correct. Except that JL-1 and JL-2 are both proper SLBMs. JL-2 was already an ICBM based missile, based on the DF-31.
The JL-2 already gave China a submarine launched second strike with intercontinental range (something India to this day still has not achieved despite all their boasting about their SRBM and MRBM based submarine launched ballistic missiles. Even JL-1 outranged India's current largest SLBM and JL-1 was put into service way back in the 1980s! India's longest ranged, operational SLBM is K15 with a range lower than 2000km comparable to Chinese Gen 1 SLBM, 1980s JL-1. K-4 missile is their upgrade which is in a LCA Tejas like status along with their first generation SSBN.
JL-2 was an intercontinental ranged missile with MIRV. It was already at world leading stage back when it entered service as China's mainstay intercontinental ranged SLBM.
JL-3 is far more modern than any western SLBM.
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What's up with the DF-5C formation? Is it partying like 10/01/1984 again? Looks very much like a single warhead to me. I do not understand the reason behind keeping a cumbersome liquid fuel single warhead missile in service.
Yeah this payload fairing section isn't showing the MIRV within. Whatever warhead types and shapes they may be. Besides, configuration of this armed section varies depending on purpose. Usually equipped within are decoys along with the warheads.
The missile's strike range covers the entire world.