Ballistic Missile
DF-41
The DF-41 (NATO: CSS-X-20) is a Chinese solid-fuel, road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile made by CALT and in service since around 2019–2020. With a commonly cited range of 12,000–15,000 km, it can reach the continental United States.
China|China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT)Overview
The DF-41 was developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, with flight tests starting in 2012. It was shown publicly at the 1 October 2019 parade and again in September 2025, and is generally reported to have entered service around 2019–2020. It weighs about 80 t, is roughly 16.5 m long, and uses solid fuel with inertial and BeiDou guidance. Beijing publishes no specifications, so all figures come from Western or Chinese-media estimates.
The missile is commonly credited with up to three MIRVs, while some US estimates say as many as ten, and with an accuracy of around 100 m CEP. It is launched from a 16-wheel TEL, with silo basing also reported, as are rail-mobile concepts. The PLA Rocket Force is the only operator and there are no exports. The Pentagon estimates China’s warhead stockpile at over 600 and rising toward 1,000 by 2030. Comparable systems include the Russian RS-24 Yars and the US Minuteman III.
Key Specifications
Variants
The baseline DF-41 is the road-mobile solid-fuel ICBM launched from a 16-wheel transporter-erector-launcher.
The silo-based DF-41 places the missile in fixed underground launchers, as seen in new silo fields reported by US analysts.
The rail-mobile DF-41 is a concept mentioned by Chinese state media and US reports, and has not been confirmed in service.
Operators
ChinaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the DF-41?
The DF-41 has a commonly cited range of 12,000–15,000 km. That is enough to reach the entire continental United States from Chinese territory. China does not publish official specifications, so the figures are estimates.
Can the DF-41 reach the US?
Yes, the DF-41 can reach the United States based on its estimated 12,000–15,000 km range. China has not published figures, so the range comes from Western analysts and Chinese media, and not from an official source.
How many warheads does the DF-41 carry?
The DF-41 is typically credited with up to three MIRV warheads, while some US estimates say as many as ten. China does not publish specifications, so the number is an estimate and not an official figure.
Which countries have the DF-41?
Only China operates the DF-41, through the PLA Rocket Force. There are no exports. The missile was first shown publicly at the 1 October 2019 parade and again in September 2025.
DF-41 vs Sarmat: which is stronger?
The DF-41 is a solid-fuel, road-mobile missile weighing about 80 t, while Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat is a liquid-fuel silo missile of about 208 t with a claimed 18,000 km range. The Sarmat’s status is unconfirmed; the DF-41 is in service.
When did the DF-41 enter service?
The DF-41 entered service around 2019–2020, as commonly reported, after flight tests from 2012. China has not issued an official service date. It supplements the older DF-5B and DF-31AG missiles.
