DF-31

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	Weapon: DF-31 Type: Rocket Artillery Country of Origin: China Year Adopted: 2006 Caliber: 90Kt Warhead Action: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Overall Length (mm): 13000.0 Overall Length (in): 511.81 Weight (kg): 42000.00 Weight (pounds): 92594.15 Effective Range (km): 8000 Effective Range (miles): 4970.97

The DF-31 (Dong Feng-31) is a Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the People's Republic of China to enhance its strategic nuclear deterrence capabilities. Designed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the DF-31 was introduced in the late 1990s and officially entered service in the early 2000s. It is a three-stage, solid-fueled missile with a range of approximately 8,000 to 11,200 kilometers, making it capable of reaching targets across continents, including the United States and Europe. The DF-31 is designed to carry a single nuclear warhead, although later variants, such as the DF-31A, have the capability to deploy multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

Production figures for the DF-31 remain classified, but estimates suggest that China has deployed at least several dozen units since its introduction. The missile represents a significant advancement over its predecessors, as it is road-mobile and mounted on a transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle, allowing for rapid deployment and enhanced survivability against preemptive strikes. Over time, improved variants such as the DF-31A and DF-31AG have been developed, featuring extended range, increased accuracy, and improved countermeasures against missile defense systems. These developments have solidified China's growing capabilities in strategic nuclear deterrence.

The DF-31 has gained notoriety as a key component of China's nuclear modernization efforts and its shift toward a more flexible and survivable nuclear arsenal. Its road-mobile nature makes it harder to track and target, increasing China's second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear conflict. The missile's deployment has been closely monitored by global military analysts, particularly in the United States and neighboring countries, due to its strategic implications. As China continues to expand its missile forces, the DF-31 remains a critical element of its nuclear deterrent strategy, reflecting the country's commitment to maintaining a credible and effective long-range strike capability.