Note: All specifications are from recent Jane's Information Group publications (Strategic Weapon Systems, Fighting Ships, Naval Weapon Systems, and All the World's Aircraft), except "Throw-weight", and "Yield" which are from the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance 1995-6, "Locations," and "Number Deployed" are from Arkin and Norris, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Disagreements are footnoted (with hypertext links), as are selected facts in the text. Given effective Chinese nuclear secrecy, there is great disagreement on many specifics of the Chinese arsenal -- Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons -- the best source on the subject, is heavily referenced.

The entries are listed as follows:

• Land-Based Strategic Weapons
• Dong Feng-3/3A IRBM (CSS-2)
• Dong Feng-4 ICBM (CSS-3 IRBM)
• Dong Feng-5/5A ICBM (CSS-4 ICBM)
• Dong Feng-21/21A IRBM (CSS-6)
• Dong Feng-15 SRBM (M-9, CSST-600)
• Sea-Based Strategic Weapons
• Xia SSBN
• Julang 1 SLBM (CSS-N-3)
• Air-Based Strategic Weapons
• Hong-6 (B-6 or Tu-16 Badger)
• Qian-5 (A-5)
• Gravity bomb
• Non-Strategic Weapons
• Footnotes
• Link to Brief Summary of Chinese Arsenal

Dong Feng-3/3A IRBM (CSS-2)

• Year Deployed: 1969¹
• Dimensions: 19 meters length, 2.25 meters diameter
• Weight: 55,000 kilograms
• Propulsion: Single stage liquid
• Throw-weight: 2,150 kilograms²
• Range: 2,000 or 3,000 kilometers³
• Guidance: Inertial or radio command⁴
• Circular Error Probable: 1000 meters
• Warhead: Single warhead
• Yield: 2 megatons⁵
• Locations: Northwest China along Russian border: Dalong, Liuchingkou, Xi'an, Kunming, Jianshui, Liankengwang, Xuanhua, Fengrun, and Itu among other regions
• Number Deployed: 50 missiles⁶
• Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry for Space Industry)

The Dong Feng (East Wind)-3 was the first truly indigenous Chinese ballistic missile. Its U.S. name is the CSS-2 (Chinese Surface-to Surface missile). The DF-3's predecessor was the Dong Feng-2 (CSS-1), essentially a copy of the Soviet SS-2 Shyster. Rather than repeat the difficult experience with the DF-2's volatile liquid oxygen fuel, the DF-3 was the first of a series of Chinese missiles that would utilize storable liquid fuels.⁷ The Cuban missile crisis had illustrated that missiles with non-storable fuels (such as the SS-3s and SS-4s on Cuba) were ineffective in international crises. They took too long to prepare for launch, and could not be maintained at high alert levels. The DF-3's storable liquid fuel was an interim answer to this problem, but it was not until the 1980s and the JL-1 SLBM that the Chinese would perfect an even more stable solid propellent.⁸

The original design target of the DF-3 was the two U.S. military installations in the Philippines: Clark air base and Subic Bay naval base. However, the missiles were retargeted at Soviet population centers in the central and eastern USSR after the Sino-Soviet border clashes of 1969. An improved variant with even longer range (3,800 kilometers), the DF-3A, entered service in 1986. To make up for inaccuracy and small numbers of warheads, the DF-3, and indeed most of the Chinese nuclear arsenal, uses comparatively high yield warheads.

The DF-3 is dispersed at remote sites in northwest China along the border with Russia, and has presurveyed launch sites for its mobile trailer erector launchers. The sites are hidden in valleys and caves to make detection and targeting difficult. The DF-3 has been described as the backbone of the Chinese missile force, with approximately 100 deployed in the 1980's according to the DIA.⁹

The reputed sale of approximately three dozen DF-3 IRBMs to Saudi Arabia in 1987 caused an international uproar. As a result the Chinese claimed that the missiles were modified so that they could not carry nuclear weapons.

Dong Feng-4 ICBM (CSS-3)

• Year Deployed: 1978¹⁰
• Dimensions: 31 meters length, 2.25 meters diameter¹¹
• Weight: 82,000 kilograms
• Propulsion: Two stage liquid
• Throw-weight: 2,200 kilograms¹²
• Range: 7,000 kilometers¹³
• Guidance: Inertial
• Circular Error Probable: 1,370 meters¹⁴
• Warhead: Single warhead
• Yield: 2 megatons¹⁵
• Locations: Qinghai, Tongdao, and Sundian
• Number Deployed: 20 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry for Space Industry)

The Dong Feng-4 was developed in tandem with the shorter-ranged Dong Feng-3 IRBM. The project in turn developed essential components, including the entire first stage, for the subsequent Dong Feng-5 ICBM. U.S. analysts considered the Dong Feng-4 as a stopgap measure until the longer-range Dong Feng-5 -- a true ICBM -- was available. The civilian counterpart to the Dong Feng-4 is the Long March-1 (LM-1), which was used for the first successful Chinese satellite launch in 1970. Reportedly, all Chinese strategic missiles, including the Dong Feng-4, received software upgrades in 1985 which improved accuracy.¹⁶

The original design goal for the DF-4 was to be able to strike the U.S. air base at Guam (Andersen AFB.) After the deterioration in relations with the Soviet Union, the design target was shifted and the capabilities enhanced so the DF-4 would be able to hit the major cities of the western Soviet Union. In particular, the missile was designed to strike the Soviet capital, and has been referred to as the "Moscow missile." There was considerable debate about basing, with the original intention being silos, and subsequent rail mobile tests. The final decision was a mixture of basing in caves and silos.¹⁷

The DF-4 was the first Chinese missile deployed in underground silos. They are raised to surface level before firing, much like the early U.S. Titans and Atlases. The cave-deployed versions were designed to be rolled out from their tunnels to their launch pads, fueled, and fired. There are also launch sites designed for the DF-4 at several test launch sites, which could be used to fire any reserve missiles.¹⁸

Dong Feng-5/5A ICBM (CSS-4)

• Year Deployed: 1981
• Dimensions: 35 meters length, 3.35 meters diameter¹⁹
• Weight: 190,000 kilograms
• Propulsion: Two stage liquid
• Throw-weight: 3,200 kilograms²⁰
• Range: 11,000 kilometers²¹
• Guidance: Inertial
• Circular Error Probable: Unknown
• Warhead: Single warhead
• Yield: 5 megatons²²
• Locations: Luoning, Jiuquan space launch site, Wuzhai test range
• Number Deployed: 7 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry of Space Industry)

The Dong Feng-5 is China's only true ICBM, deployed in very small numbers. The DF-5 program gained from the knowledge of the DF-4 testing and development. The missile's tested range estimates vary widely, from a low of 7,000 kilometers, to a high of 15,000 kilometers reported by observers. The missile has been compared to the heavy Soviet SS-18 ICBM. The civilian version of the DF-5 is known as the Long March 2C (or by the alternate Chinese designation Chang Zheng-2C, CZ-2C.) This launcher has been used heavily by the Chinese space program, and has been launching satellites into space since 1975, five years before the ICBM version was completed.²³

These are the only missiles in China's arsenal capable of hitting the continental United States. In 1983, several underwent improvements (designated the DF-5A) to increase their range to 13,000 kilometers, and their payload to 3,200 kilograms. The missile can hit targets throughout Russia, Europe, and North America. Only a few missiles were deployed however, thought to demonstrate that China could deploy a superpower-type silo-based ICBM complex if needed. The small deployment also might have been planned so as not to cause major fears and reactions among the other nuclear powers. There are several silos at test centers, as well as numerous empty silos, akin to the proposed MX "shell game" system where only a few silos have active missiles in them. China could rapidly convert its existing fleet of CZ-2 civilian space launchers into DF-5 ICBMs with a minimum of effort. Given continuing low-rate yearly production of about five or six CZ-2 (which are essentially identical to the DF-5 ICBM version), there are also probably stores of reserve DF-5s. not deployed.²⁴

The handful of DF-5 missiles, even with penetration aids, might not be enough to get through the Moscow ABM system, which is comprised of 100 ABM interceptors. However, combined with the DF-4s, some would likely get through. Even this small Chinese ICBM capability reportedly greatly influenced the design of the Moscow ABM system.²⁵ There are some reports that the missiles have been tested with multiple warheads, but these reports are in the minority.²⁶

However, further modernization of the land-based missile program is definitely underway. The latest series of tests at China's Lop Nor site before the signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty were probably conducted to prove miniaturized, multiple warhead designs. By examining the estimated yields of these tests, it is likely that China is working on two new warheads, one with a yield of 100-200 kilotons, and another with a yield of 600-700 kilotons.

Future land-based missiles include the Dong Feng-31, a single warhead (100-200 kiloton) missile with an 8,000 kilometer range. This missile will likely be silo-based and solid fueled. Deployment is expected in the late 1990's. The other major strategic system is the DF-41, with a true ICBM with range of 12,000 kilometers, and an undetermined number of MIRVs. The DF-41 will replace the DF-5 ICBM and could be deployed around 2010.²⁷

Dong Feng-15 SRBM (CSST-600 or M-9)

• Year Deployed: 1991²⁸
• Dimensions: 9.1 meters length, 1.0 meters diameter
• Weight: 6,200 kilograms
• Propulsion: Solid propellent
• Throw-weight: 950 kilograms²⁹
• Range: 600 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial
• Circular Error Probable: 300 meters³⁰
• Warhead: Single warhead
• Yield: Unknown
• Locations: Unknown
• Number Deployed: Unknown
• Primary Contractor: First Academy of the Ministry of Aero-Space Industry

The M series of tactical short-range ballistic missiles began development in the early 1980s. Three versions are known, the M-9, M-11, and M-18 -- the M designations are used for the export versions. The version believed most likely to serve in a nuclear role is the M-9, also known as the DF-15. This version was first flight-tested in 1988. The DF-15/M-9 is reportedly transported in an 8x8 wheel transporter erector vehicle (TEL) capable of launching the missile in the field. Libya reportedly purchased 140 M-9 missiles in 1989, allegedly passing on 80 of them to Syria. There have also been longstanding rumors of M-9 sales to Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt.³¹

It is not know whether the Chinese DF-15s are fitted with a nuclear weapons -- it may use only conventional warheads. It has been heavily advertised for sale, with major selling points being its 30 minute reaction time and accuracy of under 600 meters. The early M-9 sales contradict the usual Chinese practice of developing and deploying a weapon with its own forces before export.³² The highly publicized "missile tests which took place in the Taiwan Straits in July and September 1995, and in the exercises in March 1996 involved DF-15 test shots. This missile is largely seen as a modern, more accuracte, and more reliable replacement for the aging Scud-type missiles.³³

Dong Feng-21/21A IRBM (CSS-6)

• Year Deployed: 1988³⁴
• Dimensions: 10.7 meters length, 1.4 meters diameter
• Weight: 14,700 kilograms
• Propulsion: Two stage, solid fuel
• Throw-weight: 600 kilograms
• Range: 1,800 kilometers
• Guidance: Inertial
• Circular Error Probable: Unknown
• Warhead: Single warhead
• Yield: 200-300 kilotons³⁵
• Locations: Unknown
• Number Deployed: 36 missiles³⁶
• Primary Contractor: Same as the solid fueled JL-1

The DF-21 is the land-based version of the Julang-1 SLBM, China's first solid fueled ballistic missile. The specifications for the DF-21 are essentially the same as the JL-1, except the range is slightly longer, at 1,800 kilometers. It is difficult to determine numbers deployed, as these missiles are supposedly the same as the JL-1s. This solid fuel design seems to indicate the future of Chinese missiles, as the short range DF-15/M-9 is also built this way, and the DF-31 and DF-41 ICBMs in design likewise use solid propellent. This is an improvement over the storable liquid fueled missiles (DF-3, DF-4, DF-5), which are higher maintenance and bring greater delays and dangers than those using solid propellent.³⁷

The DF-21 is also the first truly road mobile Chinese missile, mounted on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicle. The missiles use a cold launch technique similar to that used on the Xia SSBN, where they are ejected from their container, and the engines ignite while airborne. The DF-21A variant reportedly has a decreased weight and a slightly longer range. Likely targets are urban areas in Russia.³⁸

Sea-Based Strategic Weapons

Xia (Type 092) SSBN

• Year Deployed: 1987
• Displacement: 6,500 tons dived
• Dimensions: 120 meters length, 10 meters height, 8 meters diameter
• Propulsion: Nuclear, 1 shaft
• Speed: 22 knots dived
• Missiles: 12 JL-1 SLBMs
• Locations: Unknown
• Number Deployed: 1 submarine, perhaps 2
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

The first operational Chinese ballistic missile submarine was a long time in coming. It had its origin in a conventional-powered Golf class submarine that was assembled from Soviet parts in 1964. The Golf tested the JL-1 SLBM and has been a training and test vessel for Chinese SLBMs and SSBN crews. It can carry two missiles in the sail, and given time, could be outfitted in a crisis and deployed with operational weapons.³⁹

The Xia's production was greatly delayed by difficulties with producing a safe and reliable nuclear reactor. The vessel was in development for twenty years as a result. The Xia was built at the Huludao shipyard northeast of Bejing alongside the Han class nuclear attack subs (SSNs). That design influenced the Xia's final form.⁴⁰

There is some doubt as to the number of Xia submarines operational. Both one and two have been quoted by various sources -- the Chinese have stated two are operational, but it is unknown if both have conducted operational patrols with their missiles. Some sources also indicate that two more are under construction, or China may switch to a more advanced SSBN design.⁴¹ To further cloud the waters on the Chinese SSBN program, there are unconfirmed reports that a Xia sunk in an accident in 1985. In late 1995 a Xia SSBN (perhaps "the" Xia SSBN) started a major refit to replace its missile system which could take 2 years.⁴²

The JL-1 SLBM has such a short range that it is limited in the targets it can hit from home waters. Chinese vessels would likely deploy in nearby waters like the Bohai Gulf where they can be protected by Chinese land and naval assets, in a procedure much like that of Russian SSBN bastions. The follow-on Julang-2 missile should have a dramatically increased intercontinental range, and will greatly enhance the Chinese sea leg when deployed in the late 1990s.

Julang 1 (CSS-N-3)

• Year Deployed: 1986⁴³
• Dimensions: 10 meters length, 1.5 meters diameter⁴⁴
• Weight: 13,800 kilograms⁴⁵
• Propulsion: Two stage solid
• Throw-weight: 600 kilograms⁴⁶
• Range: 2,700 kilometers⁴⁷
• Guidance: Inertial
• Circular Error Probable: Unknown
• Warhead: Single warhead
• Yield: 2 megatons⁴⁸
• Locations: Xia SSBN
• Number Deployed: 12 missiles
• Primary Contractor: Unknown, but different than for the Dong Feng missiles

The Julang-1 (JL-1, or Giant Wave), referred to by the U.S. as the CSS-N-3, is a medium ranged-submarine launched ballistic missile. It was developed throughout the late 1970's, with the first test firings in 1982 -- initially from a submerged firing pontoon, and then from China's Golf II test submarine. Though the solid-fuel JL-1 technology was developed separately from the older Dong Feng-missiles, this improved method will be used in China's future missiles.⁴⁹

The JL-1 took about fifteen years to develop, primarily because of difficulties in using solid propellent (this was the first Chinese missile not to use liquid fuel), problems with the smaller warhead, problems with underwater launching, and difficulties with the Xia nuclear submarine itself.⁵⁰

A follow on missile, the JL-2 (CSS-NX-4) was referred to in late 1985 in the Liberation Army Journal. It will have a much longer range, on the order of 8,000 kilometers, solid propellent and a single 100-200 kiloton warhead. Despite the single warhead limitation, the increase in range will give China an effective sea-based deterrent.⁵¹

Air-Based Strategic Weapons

Hong-6 (B-6 or Tu-16 Badger)

• Year Deployed: 1965⁵²
• Dimensions: 34.8 meters length, 10.4 meters height, 34.2 meters wingspan
• Weight: 75,800 kilograms maximum takeoff
• Propulsion: 2 Wopen-8 turbojets
• Throw-weight: 4,500 kg ⁵³
• Range: 3,100 kilometers⁵⁴
• Speed: .91 Mach⁵⁵
• Maximum Loadout: 1-3 bombs (1 bomb likely)
• Weapon Load: 4,500 kilograms
• Yield: Unknown
• Locations: Datong (Qinghai) and other bases
• Number Deployed: 120 aircraft
• Primary Contractor: Xi'an Aircraft Company

The Hong-6 is now the only long-range bomber in China's inventory, since the retirement of the Hong-5, a copy of the Soviet Il-28 Beagle. The Hong 6 itself is a copy of the Tu-16 Badger, which joined Soviet forces in 1955. The Chinese acquired licensing rights and began producing their own in the 1960s. The capabilities of the H-6 are assumed the same as the Tu-16. The Chinese H-6 bombers are largely painted white.⁵⁶

The H-6 is thought to have a primary conventional role, with a secondary nuclear one. Designed as a high altitude bomber, this obsolescent aircraft has very poor qualities for penetrating air defenses. Range estimates vary, but it is within range of U.S. forces in the Pacific, as well as Russian urban areas east of the Urals. Though Russian versions carried up to four nuclear bombs, the Chinese have showed foreign observers that the H-6 has a nuclear bomb rack for only one weapon. There are approximately 120 H-6 bombers in the Air Force, with another 50 in non-nuclear anti-shipping roles (H-6D). The H-6 has been instrumental in Chinese weapon development, with modifications made to the design of operational weapons as a result of its testing. The H-6 was used to drop several live weapons in nuclear tests at the Lop Nor site in the 1960s.⁵⁷

There is no heavy-bomber successor to the aging H-6, although if the Chinese are true to their past practice of retaining obsolescent weapon systems, they will likely retain the aircraft. The only new bomber is the Hong-7, under development since 1982. However, it is a smaller strike aircraft, similar to the British Tornado -- see the description of the Qian-5 for further details. Another option for modernizing the bomber/strike aircraft force is importing such aircraft, particularly from Russia.

Qian-5 (A-5)

• Year Deployed: 1970
• Dimensions: 15.65 meters length, 4.33 meters height, 9.86 meters wingspan⁵⁸
• Weight: 6,375 kilograms empty, 11,380 kilograms maximum takeoff weight
• Propulsion: 2 x Wopen-6 turbofans
• Maximum Weapon Load: 1,500 kilograms⁵⁹
• Range: 600 kilometers (hi-lo-hi)⁶⁰
• Speed: Mach 1.12
• Weapon Load: 2,000 kilograms
• Maximum Loadout: One gravity bomb in internal weapon bay
• Locations: Unknown
• Number Deployed: 30 aircraft (estimated nuclear capable)
• Primary Contractor: Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Company

The Qian-5 (referred to by NATO as the A-5 "Fantan") is a Chinese redesign of the Soviet MiG-19 fighter. The primary visual difference is the addition of a nose cone and the addition of lateral air intakes on either side of the fuselage just forward of the swept wings. The Qian-5 is a single-seat, supersonic low level attack aircraft. There are ten hard points for attaching munitions, as well as two 23 millimeter cannons. The pilot is safeguarded with armor plating around the cockpit as well as an ejection seat.⁶¹

Nearly 1,000 aircraft were built, with 550-600 of the improved Q-5A variant. An unknown number of the Q-5As were modified to carry nuclear weapons. The assumption is that this number is small, with perhaps a regiment of 30 aircraft assigned to the nuclear role. A Q-5 used a loft bombing technique in a Chinese nuclear test in 1972. Though aging, the Q-5 retains good low-level attack capability and speed, assets the H-6 bomber lacks.⁶²

China has been working on a supersonic fighter-bomber, the Hong-7, often compared to the European Tornado. However the few that will be produced (less than 20) will be used as a naval strike aircraft, not in the nuclear role.⁶³

Gravity Bomb

• Year Deployed: Unknown
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Weight: Unknown
• Circular Error Probable: Unknown
• Yield: Unknown -- strategic version approximately 3 megatons, tactical version 5-20 kilotons
• Locations: Unknown
• Number Deployed: Unknown
• Primary Contractor: Unknown

Very little is known of Chinese gravity bombs other than that they exist. The Qian-5 attack aircraft has been reported as carrying a tactical nuclear weapon with a yield of 5-20 kilotons.⁶⁴ In the past, several bombs have been dropped by Hong-6 bombers in atmospheric nuclear tests (like the one pictured above) with yields ranging from 15 kilotons (12/24/67) to 4 megatons (11/17/76).⁶⁵ Given the range of yields in airborne nuclear tests, the Chinese probably have at least two bomb variants: a tactical one with a low kiloton yield, and a strategic one in the 1-3 megaton range.

Like the Soviets, the Chinese have placed most of their nuclear delivery reliance on ballistic missiles. This fact, and the fact that the Chinese arsenal is relatively small compared to the U.S. and Russia, is why the Chinese have vehemently opposed relaxation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) between the Soviet Union and the United States. Chinese air delivery vehicles; the Hong-6 and the Qian-5, are both aging platforms with little ability to penetrate air defenses.

Due to effective Chinese secrecy about its nuclear weapons program, it is unknown whether China has tactical nuclear weapons. However, the general assumption is that it does indeed possess them. This is supported by evidence from various sources, including Chinese military exercises which assume the use of tactical nuclear weapons by both sides.

Such weapons might consist of about 150 low yield bombs, artillery shells, multiple-rocket system (MRS) shells, atomic demolition mines, and perhaps short-range missiles. These were probably deployed in the 1970's, in large measure as a response to the increased tensions with the Soviets and a possibility of combat along the Sino-Soviet frontier. Atomic demolition mines, for example, might be used to close mountain passes and otherwise hamper invading troops. In 1986, Vice Minister of Defense Xiao Ke told a French delegation that China did not have tactical nuclear weapons assigned at the army divisional level, but refused to comment on higher echelons. There was even a report that a 1988 test was of a low yield "neutron" or enchanted radiation weapon. With the general relaxation in tensions with Russia, India, and Vietnam, it is unclear whether this capability will be further developed.⁶⁶

FOOTNOTES:

¹ Dong Feng-3 deployment listed as 1970 in International Institute of Strategic Studies, Military Balance 1995-6 (London: IISS, 1995), p. 293 and as 1971 in Robert Norris, Andrew Burrows, and Richard Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons (Boulder; Westview Press - National Resources Defense Council, 1994), p. 380.

² Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 380.

³ DF-3 range given as 2,700 km in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293, 2,800 km for DF-3A, 2,650 km for DF-3 in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 380.

⁴ DF-3 command mode described as "inertial using gimbaled engines for thrust vectoring" in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 380, but in "CSS-2," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems (London: Jane's Information Group, 1990), p. 196 described as guidance as "inertial or radio command."

⁵ DF-3 single warhead yield given as 2 megatons in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293, yield given as 3.3 megatons in William Arkin and Robert Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67, and there is mention of a 3 multiple reentry vehicle (MRV) variant with 50-100 kiloton warheads in "CSS-2," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁶ DF-3 deployment listed as 60 rather than 50 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

⁷ "CSS-2," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁸ John Wilson Lewis and Xue Litai, China Builds the Bomb (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1988), p. 214.

⁹ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, pp. 363, 381.

¹⁰ DF-4 listed as operational in 1980 in Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67, listed as 1981 in Norris, p. 382, and listed as 1978/9 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

¹¹ DF-4 length given as 28 meters in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 382.

¹² Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 382.

¹³ DF-4 range also given as 4750 km Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 382, and also 7,000 km in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

¹⁴ Accuracy for the DF-4 listed in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 382 -- other sources simply list "unknown."

¹⁵ DF-4 yield is also listed higher, given as 3.3 megatons in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 382, and 3 megatons in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

¹⁶ "CSS-3," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

¹⁷ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, pp. 382-3

¹⁸ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 362.

¹⁹ DF-5 length listed as 32.6 meters in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 384

²⁰ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67.

²¹ DF-5 range also listed as 13,000+ km in Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67 and 15,000 km in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

²² DF-5 listed as either 3, or 4-5 megatons in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 384.

²³ "CSS-4," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

²⁴ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, pp. 364. 385.

²⁵ Max Walmer, Strategic Weapons (New York: Prentice Hall Press, 1988), p. 39.

²⁶ Centre for Defence and International Security Studies, Missile Threats and Responses (Internet web site - http://www.cdiss.org/chinab.htm)

²⁷ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), pp. 66-7.

²⁸ CDISS, Missile Threats and Responses (http://www.cdiss.org/chinab.htm)

²⁹ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 387.

³⁰ DF-15 accuracy listed as under 600 meters at 600 km range, under 300 meters CEP at 300 km range in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 387

³¹ "M Family," Jane's Strategic Weapons.

³² Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 364.

³³ CDISS, Missile Threats and Responses (http://www.cdiss.org/chinab.htm)

³⁴ DF-21 listed as deployed in 1985-6 in Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67, as 1983 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293., and as 1988 in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 368. Given the lack of the DF-21 entry in Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems, the specifications for the DF-21 are all from the latter source.

³⁵ DF-21 also listed with 250 kiloton yield in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

³⁶ Only ten DF-21 estimated deployed in 1995 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

³⁷ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 388.

³⁸ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 364

³⁹ Joshua Handler and William Arkin, Nuclear Warships and Naval Nuclear Weapons: A Complete Inventory, Neptune Papers, No. 2 (Washington, DC: Greenpeace and Institute for Policy Studies, 1988), p. 30.

⁴⁰ Walmer, Strategic Weapons, p. 57.

⁴¹ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, pp. 368-9.

⁴² Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996-7, p. 114.

⁴³ JL-1 listed as operational in 1983/4 in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

⁴⁴ JL-1 dimensions 10.7 meters length, 1.4 meters diameter listed in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 396.

⁴⁵ JL-1 weight listed as 4,700 kilograms in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 396.

⁴⁶ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67, and Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 396

⁴⁷ JL-1 range also listed as 1,700 km Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67 and 2,200-3,000 km in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

⁴⁸ JL-1 yield listed as 200-300 kilotons Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67 and estimated at 2 megatons in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

⁴⁹ "CSS-N-3," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems.

⁵⁰ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 396

⁵¹ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67

⁵² Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 390.

⁵³ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67.

⁵⁴ Hong-6 range also listed as 2,180 km in IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

⁵⁵ IISS, Military Balance, 1995-6, p. 293.

⁵⁶ Bill Gunston, Modern Bombers (New York: Prentice Hall Press, 1988), p. 84.

⁵⁷ Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 366.

⁵⁸ Qian-5 dimensions listed as 4.5 meters height, 9.7 meters wingspan in Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 394.

⁵⁹ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67.

⁶⁰ Range listed as 400 km in Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 67 and Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 394 -- this corresponds to Jane's listed range for lo-lo-lo flight profile.

⁶¹ Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1994-5 (London: Jane's Information Group, 1995), p. 56.

⁶² Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, p. 395.

⁶³ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 66.

⁶⁴ John Wilson Lewis and Xue Litai, China Builds the Bomb, pp. 244-5.

⁶⁵ Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1994-5, p. 56.

⁶⁶ Arkin and Norris, "Nuclear Notebook" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (November 1996), p. 66, Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, pp. 371-2.

Compiled by Ted Flaherty
11 December 1996
updated 2 January 1997