CSS-4 Dongfeng-5 ICBM

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	Weapon: CSS-4 Dongfeng-5 ICBM Type: Rocket Artillery Country of Origin: China Year Adopted: 1981 Caliber: 3mt Warhead Action: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Overall Length (mm): 32600.0 Weight (kg): 183000.00 Effective Range (m): 12000000

The CSS-4 Dongfeng-5 (DF-5) is a Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed during the 1970s as a cornerstone of China's strategic nuclear deterrent. It is a two-stage, liquid-fueled missile capable of delivering a single nuclear warhead with a yield of up to 5 megatons to targets up to 12,000 kilometers away. The DF-5 was designed to strike targets in the continental United States, Europe, and other distant locations, reflecting China's ambition to establish a credible global deterrent during the height of the Cold War. The missile was initially housed in hardened silos for enhanced survivability against preemptive strikes.

Production of the DF-5 began in the late 1970s, with operational deployment starting in the early 1980s. Though exact production figures remain classified, it is believed that several dozen DF-5 missiles were built and deployed in strategic locations across China. In the 1980s, an upgraded version, the DF-5A, was introduced, featuring improved accuracy and a longer range. The DF-5 was among the first Chinese ICBMs capable of striking targets globally, cementing its role as a critical component of China's nuclear triad. The missile's deployment demonstrated China's entry into the ranks of nations with credible second-strike capabilities.

The DF-5 is notable for its significant role in the evolution of China's strategic missile forces. While it was eventually augmented by more advanced systems, such as the DF-31 and DF-41, the DF-5 remained operational into the 21st century, with some units upgraded to carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). The missile's long service life underscores its importance in maintaining China's nuclear deterrence posture during a period of geopolitical uncertainty. As one of China's earliest ICBMs with intercontinental reach, the DF-5 has left a lasting legacy in the development of Chinese missile technology and global strategic stability.