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DF-21
EntityQ425558· pop 16· linked from 200 articles

Also known as CSS-5, DF-21 ballistic missile, DF-21 ballistic missiles, Dong-Feng 21, CSS-5 - Dong-Feng, East Wind-21, DF21, DF 21

The Dongfeng 21 (DF-21; NATO reporting name CSS-5 - Dong-Feng () is a two-stage, solid-fuel, single-warhead medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by China's Changfeng Mechanics and Electronics Technology Academy. A part of the Dongfeng missile family, the DF-21's development started in the late 1960s, and it was completed around 1985–86, but not deployed until 1991. It was developed from the JL-1 submarine-launched missile, and is China's first solid-fuel land-based missile. The U.S. Department of Defense in 2008 estimated that China had 60-80 missiles and 60 launchers; approximately

Key facts

Weapon.is_missile
yes
Weapon.name
DF-21/CSS-5 Mod 1
Weapon.image
DF-21A TEL - Chinese Military Museum Beijing.jpg
Weapon.caption
DF-21 and transporter erector launcher vehicle at the Beijing Military Museum.
Weapon.origin
China
Weapon.type
MRBM/IRBM
Weapon.used_by
People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force
Weapon.service
1991
Weapon.engine
Solid fueled
Weapon.speed
Mach 10 (estimated maximum before re-entry)
Weapon.vehicle_range
(DF-21/DF-21A) (DF-21C) (DF-21D ASBM)
Weapon.filling
conventional 600kg: 1, or 5-6 (improved variant) nuclear 200-300-500 kt nuclear
Weapon.guidance
Inertial + terminal active radar guidance
Weapon.accuracy
DF-21 700m, DF-21A 50m, DF-21B 10m CEP (with BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and active radar)
Weapon.launch_platform
Mobile launcher

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Diameter
1.4
Image
DF-21A TEL - Chinese Military Museum Beijing.jpg
Length
10.7
Show 3 more facts
service entry
1991-01-01
native label
东风
Commons category
DF-21
Sources (1)

via Wikidata · CC0

~14 min read

Article

14 sections
Contents
  • DF-21/A/C (CSS-5 Mod-1/2/3)
  • {{Anchor|DF-21D|CSS-5 Mod-4|Anti-ship ballistic missile}} DF-21D (CSS-5 Mod-4) Anti-ship ballistic missile
  • Development
  • Guidance and navigation
  • Re-entry vehicle
  • Impact on naval warfare
  • Skepticism
  • Appearances and deployments
  • {{Anchor|DF-26|Dongfeng 26}} DF-26
  • SC-19
  • KF-21
  • Saudi Arabian purchase
  • See also
  • References

The Dongfeng 21 (DF-21; NATO reporting name CSS-5 - Dong-Feng () is a two-stage, solid-fuel, single-warhead medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by China's Changfeng Mechanics and Electronics Technology Academy. A part of the Dongfeng missile family, the DF-21's development started in the late 1960s, and it was completed around 1985–86, but not deployed until 1991. It was developed from the JL-1 submarine-launched missile, and is China's first solid-fuel land-based missile. The U.S. Department of Defense in 2008 estimated that China had 60-80 missiles and 60 launchers; approximately 10-11 missiles can be built annually.

Originally developed as a strategic weapon, the DF-21's later variants were designed for both nuclear and conventional missions. It is thought to be able to carry a high explosive, submunition for tactical/theater-level missions, or a 300 kt nuclear warhead for strategic strikes. The latest variant, the DF-21D, was said to be the world's first anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). The DF-21 has also been developed into the SC-19, an anti-ballistic missile and anti-satellite missile. , its KF-21 air-launched ballistic missile variant represents China's only air capability within its nuclear triad.

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