Missile Dongfeng DF-4 (CH-SS-3)
Chinese ICBM, entered service in 1975, using astro-inertial guidance systems. Key figures: range 5,500 km, top speed 22,000 km/h, warhead 2,190 kg, guidance Astro-inertial guidance, in service since 1975. In service with 1 country — China.
| Warhead | Nuclear |
| Warhead weight | 2190 kg (4,828 lb) |
| Nuclear yield | 3.3 Mt |
| Diameter | 2,250 mm (88.6 in) |
| Span | 2,740 mm (107.9 in) |
| Length | 28,050 mm (1104.3 in) |
| Weight | 82,000 kg (180,779 lb) |
| Range | 5,500 km (3,418 mi) |
| Max. speed | 22,000 km/h (Mach 22.0) |
See what a 3.3 Mt strike from the Dongfeng DF-4 would do to a real city: set ground zero anywhere on Earth and map the fireball, blast, thermal and radiation rings.
Description
The decision to develop the DF-4 was made in 1965 in response to United States ballistic missile submarine patrols operating from Guam. Deployment of the system began in 1975–1976.
The DF-4 is a first-generation two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile utilizing a liquid-fuel propellant system consisting of nitric acid and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine. The missile carries a nuclear warhead with a 3.3-megaton yield; the DF-4A variant is capable of carrying three warheads. Guidance is provided by an astro-inertial system, resulting in a circular error probable of 1.5 kilometers.
The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force is the sole operator of the system. The missile is deployed in two configurations: one housed in underground silos and another stored in caves or garages for roll-out launch. Although initial intelligence estimates projected earlier adoption, limited numbers of missiles were in place by the mid-1980s. The system is positioned to reach targets in Russia, India, and United States bases in the Pacific. The DF-4 served in the regional deterrence role until its retirement, phased out in favor of the DF-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of missile is the Dongfeng DF-4?
What is the range of the Dongfeng DF-4?
How fast is the Dongfeng DF-4?
What warhead does the Dongfeng DF-4 carry?
How is the Dongfeng DF-4 guided?
Which countries use the Dongfeng DF-4?
- AUG 132026 Updated Body text updated to reflect the type leaving service
- AUG 132026 Updated Service status corrected to retired (left the PLA Rocket Force in 2023)
- JAN 242026 Updated Max speed added
- JAN 192026 Updated Type, manufacturer and description updated
- JAN 182026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
- JUN 62025 Updated Specifications and description reviewed