China's Dongfeng-5 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Test Launch Footage Revealed

China has released historical footage of the first successful test launch of its Dongfeng-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which took place in 1980. The launch was a critical demonstration of national security capabilities, achieved amidst substantial technological blockades and foreign embargoes.

The Dongfeng-5 missile's initial launch is described as both a "challenging display and a breakthrough." At the time of the test, the strategic missile force was described as having a weak foundation, suffering from technological backwardness and complex procedures. The missile is noted to be 32.6 meters long, with a diameter of 3.35 meters, and a maximum range of up to 12,000 kilometers. It is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead with a yield between 3 to 4 megatons.

Hou Changling, a representative from a rocket force unit, recalled his early service where manpower was extensive and processes were cumbersome, describing the organization as "a thousand men to one gun." He highlighted the significant evolution to a point where now, "a hundred men to one gun," or potentially a small squad, can independently complete missile launch tasks. This points to a substantial increase in operational efficiency and technological advancement.

The release of the Dongfeng-5's history follows recent reports of the launch status of China's Dongfeng-17 missile. The DF-17 is a hypersonic, short-to-medium range conventional ballistic missile, representing China's first hypersonic weapon system. It is characterized by its all-weather capability, ability to operate without external support, and strong penetration capabilities against targets at medium-to-short ranges.

Modern rocket forces in China are described as being capable of deploying both conventional and nuclear payloads across their entire operational domain, serving as a robust shield for national sovereignty and security.