| DF-3A/CSS-2(US) | |
|---|---|
| Type | IRBM |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1971-present |
| Used by | Saudi Arabia |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | 1 Nuclear @ 3.3 Mt |
|
| |
| Engine | liquid fueled |
Operational range | 2,810 km[1] |
| Maximum speed | ? |
The DF-3A is a Chinese liquid-fueled, single-stage, medium-range nuclear ballistic missile that entered service in 1971. DF-3A is the oldest missile in China's inventory and is nearing retirement after four decades of service.[2]
It is currently being retired and was inaccurately predicted to have been removed from China's missile arsenal in 2002.[citation needed] In 1987 China sold several dozen (reportedly between 36 and 60) outmoded DF-3 missiles to Saudi Arabia, minus their nuclear warheads.[3]
History[]
Deployment of the missile began in 1971 reaching a peak of 110 by 1984, then shrinking to 50 in 1993.[citation needed] It is estimated by the U.S. DoD that there are 17 missiles and 10 launchers in operation as of 2010 under a single brigade.[2] The DF-21 will replace these missiles as they retire.
User[]
- China: Chinese.
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Air-Defense Force.
References[]
- ↑ http://www.sinodefence.com/space/missile/df3.asp
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chinese nuclear forces, 2010. Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.
- ↑ IMINT & Analysis: Saudi Arabia's Ballistic Missile Force
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The original article can be found at DF-3A and the edit history here.