D
Missile ForcesChina

DF-5

Silo-based intercontinental ballistic missileIn serviceFielded 1981Pending verification

Also known as: Dongfeng 5, CSS-4

Missile ForcesCHN
DF-5
Photo: IceUnshattered · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeSilo-based intercontinental ballistic missile
Alternative designationsDongfeng 5, CSS-4
Date of introduction1981
ProliferationAt least 2 countries
ManufacturerWan Yuan Industry Corp., Beijing, China Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), Beijing, ChinaMed[1]
Accuracy (CEP)800 m; 500 mMed[1]
Launch preparation30-60 minMed[1]
BasingHard or siloMed[1]
Guidancegyro-stabilized inertial w/onboard computerMed[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length36 m118 ftMed[1]
Diameter3.35 m11 ftMed[1]
Launch weight183,000 kg403,445 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Propulsiontwo-stage, storable-liquid UDMH/N204 propellant rocketMed[1]
Variants
DF-5AThe DF-5A has been operational since 2010 and is a MIRV-capable variant of the original DF-5. It is the first DF-5 model to be equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles and is fitted with 1-3 MT yield nuclear warheads and decoys or…[1]
DF-5BThe DF-5B (CSS-4 Mod 3) is an intercontinental-range, silo-based, liquid-propellant ballistic missile. The DF-5B’s physical size is identical to that of the DF-5A (CSS-4 Mod 2) but can carry MIRVed warheads.[1]
DF-5COn January 21, 2017, media reports surfaced that China tested a new variant of the missile, the DF-5C, that is equipped with 10 MIRVs. This number of MIRVs is a significant increase from the three warheads previously deployed on the DF-5B.[1]
Summary

The Dongfeng 5 (DF-5/CSS-4) Chinese Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is a silo-based ICBM. It was the first ICBM that China developed. These missiles are capable of delivering large nuclear payloads throughout the United States and Western Europe.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. DF-5 (Dongfeng 5) Chinese Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-05 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
  • 2026-10-05 Editorial correction: Removed Pakistan from operators (no evidence of ICBM export)
  • 2026-10-06 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)