An Illustration of China's DF-5 Missile (Photo : www.nonproliferation.org)
A new DF-5B liquid-fuel missile that is capable to strike any target on the planet was believed to have been developed by China, the Chinese newspaper Want Daily claimed in a report.
The report said that the DF-5B is a new addition to the People's Liberation Army's current or in-development arsenal of long-range strategic intercontinental missiles (ICBMs) led by the DF-31A, the DF-41 and the JL-2, which are all solid-fuel rockets.
The DF-31A has a range of 10,000 kilometers, which can reach the west coast of the United States; while the DF-41, though still in the testing stage, has a longer operational range of 12,000-15,000 kilometers, and can carry three or more warheads. On the other hand, the JL-2 can only be fired from a submarine at sea and has an estimated range of up to 8,000 kilometers.
According to U.S. and Japanese media reports, China has reportedly tested two ICMBs, the DF-41 and the DF-5A. Gao Feng, a military commentator, said that the firing of the DF-41 was part of regular testing, and the DF-5A test was likely part of basic research, aimed to develop a new liquid-fuel missile with the DF-5 or the DF-5A as basis.
Gao said that China should still have an interest in liquid-fuel missiles because they are capable to travel longer distances and have higher load capacities, even though the DF-31A and the DF-41 are either in service or nearing completion stage. He said that these advantages could be the reason why Russia is developing a new liquid-fuel missile based on its SS-18 ICBM.
The report said that previous analysis of test images from Chinese media seem to be consistent with Gao's suggestion that China could be developing a brand new DF-5B liquid-propellant rocket. The DF-5B will have warheads and an improved engine and superior precision, compared to the DF-5A.
Reports indicate that the missile's range will also be enhanced to 13,000 km and 15,000 km, which will enable the missile to cover the entire planet. Its load capacity will also be upgraded to allow it to carry four to six warheads.
