The DF Missile Family
The Dongfeng (DF) missiles are a series of missiles of different ranges operated by the PLA Rocket Force (PLARF). The missile program was launched in the early days of the People’s Republic, together with a program to develop nuclear and other advanced weapons in order to strengthen the ability of the newly established people’s government to counter external security threats and defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Development of strategic surface-to-surface missiles started in the late 1950s. The first successful strategic missile test was conducted in November 1960, marking a new milestone in China’s development of this type of missile. A naming scheme for missiles was rolled out in 1964, with a prefix “Dongfeng” or DF. Currently, the DF family comprises land-based and sea-based missiles of different ranges, with nuclear and conventional warheads, and with solid and liquid propulsion. The missile program also focuses on interoperability, integration and use of information technology.
“东风”系列导弹
“东风”系列导弹是中国火箭军装备使用的导弹武器系统的代称，对外代字为“DF”。中华人民共和国成立之初，为应对外部安全威胁、保卫国家主权和领土完整，决策发展以导弹、原子弹为代表的尖端技术，提高新生人民民主政权的自主防卫能力。中国自20世纪50年代末启动地地战略导弹研制。1960年11月，中国首发地地战略导弹飞行试验成功，标志着已初步具备这类导弹研发能力。1964年，国家和军队有关部门正式对“东风”系列导弹命名进行确认。目前，中国自行研制的“东风”系列导弹，实现了核常兼备、陆海兼备、射程衔接、固液并存和通用化、集成化、信息化。