How China’s DF-5C nuclear ICBM can reach anywhere at any time

As the new system was unveiled on three heavy-lift transport vehicles, the official commentary emphasised that it was “always on alert and capable of striking anywhere in the world”.

Liquid-fuel rockets have a long range but they take time to fuel and cannot be stored for long periods after fuelling – unlike solid-fuel missiles such as America’s Minuteman III.

Official commentary on the DF-5C emphasised that it was “always on alert and capable of striking anywhere in the world”. Photo: China Daily via Reuters

But military experts say the DF-5C has made progress in these areas.

Its rocket nozzles are apparently protected by membrane-like materials, an upgrade from its predecessor the DF-5B, suggesting a leap forward in fuel storage technology that allows the missile to stand for long periods in a silo “ready to launch any time”, said a defence expert in Beijing who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

“In the past, some in Washington had to give China’s nuclear deterrence capabilities the benefit of doubt,” he said.

“The close-up shots [of the DF-5C] during this military parade appear to have been specifically provided to dispel that doubt.”

The main advantage of liquid-fuel missiles is their large payloads. For the same volume, they can carry more fuel, heavier warheads or multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles than solid-fuel missiles.

South China Morning Post