Missile Dongfeng DF-17
Summary
| Category | Ballistic Missiles |
| Sub-type | Medium-range ballistic missile |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Manufacturer | China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology |
| Status | In service |
| Year of service | 2019 |
Technical specifications
| Warhead | Thermonuclear or Conventional |
| Length | 11,000 mm (433.1 in) |
| Weight | 15,000 kg (33,069 lb) |
| Range | 2,500 km (1,553 mi) |
| Max. speed | 12,348 km/h (Mach 12.4) |
Dongfeng DF-17 scale diagram
Operators
Description
The DF-17 is a solid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile developed using the rocket booster from the DF-16B. A flight test occurred on November 15, 2017, and the system made its first public appearance during the National Day military parade on October 1, 2019. Reports from 2020 indicated that an air-launched variant of the missile was undergoing testing.
The missile serves as a delivery vehicle for the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). Unlike ballistic missiles with predictable trajectories, the HGV is maneuverable and travels within the Earth's atmosphere. This flight profile allows the vehicle to remain below radar detection for longer durations than a ballistic missile covering the same distance. The system is designed to strike and degrade air and missile defenses. While Chinese commentators state the HGV is armed with a conventional warhead, United States intelligence assessments consider the system to be nuclear-capable and able to carry thermonuclear warheads.
The system entered service in 2019 and is operated by the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force. It utilizes a road-mobile transporter erector launcher. Military experts suggest the missile would likely be deployed against military targets in Okinawa in the event of a conflict involving Taiwan. A 2020 U.S. Air Force study identified the DF-17 as the first HGV-equipped tactical ballistic missile to reach operational deployment.