Beijing’s
Dongfeng-41 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test was
broadcast over China Central Television on Sunday, about one week
after images of the multi-warhead missile went viral across Chinese
social media platforms.
The
missile has been tested eight times, according to the Hong Kong-based
South China Morning Post, which reported that the most recent launch
took place early November somewhere in China's western desert region.
DF-41
is one of the farthest traveling ICBMs in the world, rubbing
shoulders with Israel's Jericho 3, Russia's RS-26 Rubezh and the US'
LGM-30 Minuteman III.
According
to Chinese state media, the ICBM has a range of 12,000 kilometers
(7,500 miles), can strike within 328 feet (100 meters) of its
intended target, and cruises faster than Mach 10 (7,672 miles per
hour).
The
missile measures approximately 16.5 meters (54 feet) in length and
2.78 meters in diameter (9.1 feet) and carries up to 10 warheads.
The
missile can launch from a variety of platforms, including from a
stationary silo as well as mobile rail and road platforms.
The
Global Times, a Chinese state-run media outlet, reported earlier this
month that the DF-41 would be commissioned with the People's
Liberation Army Rocket Force. Nevertheless, former military officials
have said on CCTV that the missile is already operational.
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