DF-5
Chinese ICBM
The Dongfeng 5 (simplified Chinese: 东风-5; traditional Chinese: 東風-5; pinyin: Dōng Fēng Wǔ; lit. 'East Wind 5') or DF-5 is a Chinese second-generation two stage, silo-launched, liquid-propelled intercontinental ballistic missile. The most recent variant of the missile, the DF-5C, was first displayed at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade and is estimated to have a range of approximately 20,000 kilometres (12,000 mi) with the ability to carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).
The DF-5 had its first flight in 1971 and was in operational service 10 years later. One of the limitations of the missile is that it takes between 30 and 60 minutes to load with liquid fuel (UDMH) and NTO oxidizer. The missile was also used as the basis for the Long March 2 family of launch vehicles.
As of 2026, DF-5s in service are estimated at six DF-5A missiles assigned six warheads, and twelve DF-5B missiles assigned 60 warheads in MIRV configuration. It is unknown if the DF-5C is deployed. The DF-5B warhead, at 4.5 megatons, is one of the largest nuclear weapons still in service worldwide.
History
The DF-5 was designed under the leadership of Tu Shou'e 屠守锷 at the China Academy of Launch Technology (CALT); Li Xu'e [李绪鄂] served as deputy chief designer.
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