DF-15
The Dong-Feng 15 (abbreviated as DF-15, also referred to as the M-9 and CSS-6) is a short-range ballistic missile developed by China. The United States Department of Defense estimated in 2008 that China had 315–355 DF-15 missiles and 90–110 launchers.
Also recorded as 北约代号: CSS-6 · 出口型: M-9
DF-15
IceUnshattered · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Name
- Dong Feng 15
- Field
- short-range ballistic missile
- Region
- People's Republic of China
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Documentary summary
The Dong-Feng 15 (abbreviated as DF-15, also referred to as the M-9 and CSS-6) is a short-range ballistic missile developed by China. The United States Department of Defense estimated in 2008 that China had 315–355 DF-15 missiles and 90–110 launchers.
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In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Is Missile — yes • Name — Dong Feng 15 • Type — SRBM • Vehicle Range — 600 km (DF-15) 900 km (DF-15A) 800 km (DF-15B) 700 km (DF-15C) • Filling — Nuclear 50-350 Kt, or conventional Maneuverable reentry vehicles • Yield — 90 kt • Engine — Single-stage solid-propellant rocket • Guidance — Astro-inertial guidance (including ring-laser gyroscope) + Beidou • Length — 9.1 m • Diameter — 1.0 m • Weight — 6,200 kg • Payload Capacity — 600 kg • Manufacturer — Academy of Rocket Motors Technology • Service — 1990–present • Used By — China • Accuracy — 100-300 m • Launch Platform — Road-mobile TEL
History
History
Development on the DF-15 began in 1985 with a finalized design proposal being approved by the PLA in 1987. From the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, testing of the missile was done in the Gobi Desert. The first public display of the missile took place at the Beijing Defense Exposition in 1986. The Second Artillery Corps had allegedly deployed a small number of the missiles the following year. In 1989, Libya agreed to finance Syria's purchase of M-9 missiles from China. The sale of missiles to Syria were cancelled under US pressure in 1991. On 14 September 2026 Saudi Arabia launched a few DF-15s into Yemen in response to the South Yemen offensive by Houthi forces. The launch from Marib is the first confirmed use of the DF-15 by Saudi forces, thus confirming their purchase.
Current
Current
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Description
The DF-15 uses a solid fuel, single-stage rocket. It is vertically launched from an eight-wheeled transporter erector launcher (TEL). The missile's trajectory is guided using small thrusters and an inertial guidance system on the warhead. The warhead is only a tenth of the size of the missile body. After the body and warhead separate, the body trails behind to camouflage the warhead. The terminal velocity of the missile is over Mach 6. It can deliver a 500-750 kg payload up to 600 km, with accuracy of 300 m circular error probability (CEP). The DF-15A is a variant that employs control fins at the rear of the missile and on the reentry vehicle, GPS updates, and terminal radar guidance. Its payload is believed to be 600 kg with a range of 900 km and improved accuracy of 30–45 m CEP. The DF-15B is a further upgraded variant with similar features, as well as an active radar seeker, laser rangefinder, and maneuverable reentry vehicle. It is capable of ranges between 50-800 km with greater accuracy of 5–10 m CEP. The DF-15C is a bunker buster variant equipped with a deep-penetration warhead, with a range of 700 km and accuracy of 15–20 m CEP. It was originally designed with the capability of destroying the Heng Shan Military Command Center in Taiwan's capital of Taipei, which was built to withstand a 20 kiloton nuclear blast, a 2 kiloton conventional bomb blast, or an electromagnetic pulse; another target would be Chiashan Air Force Base. In the event of an invasion, the destruction of Taiwan's major command center would make it difficult to coordinate defenses. The missile's range also reaches locations as far as Kyushu in Japan, US military bases in Okinawa and the Indian capital of New Delhi.
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