Official announcements from the Chinese Defense Ministry or other credible news sources

China Successfully Launches DF-41 ICBM with Dummy Warhead into Pacific Ocean after 44 Years

Sep 25, 2024, 03:40 AM

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on September 25, 2024. The missile, likely a DF-41, was launched at 8:44 am from Hainan Island and accurately landed in the designated sea area. The DF-41 has a range of 12,000 km and can reach speeds of up to Mach 25. The Chinese Defense Ministry stated that the test launch was a routine part of the PLA Rocket Force's annual training and was in line with international laws and practices. The ministry emphasized that the missile launch was not directed at any country or target and had notified relevant countries ahead of the launch. This test marks China's first publicized ICBM launch in 44 years, with the previous one being in May 1980.