D
Missile ForcesChina

DF-21

Medium-range ballistic missileIn serviceFielded 1991Pending verification

Also known as: CSS-5, Dong Feng-21

Missile ForcesCHN
DF-21
Photo: IceUnshattered · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMedium-range ballistic missile
Alternative designationsCSS-5, Dong Feng-21
Date of introduction1991
ProliferationAt least 2 countries
Dimensions and weight
Launch weight14,700 kg32,408 lbMed[1]
Length10.7 m35 ftMed[1]
Diameter1.4 m5 ftMed[1]
Flight performance
PropulsionTwo-stage solid propellantMed[1]
BasingRoad-mobile TELMed[1]
Payload and range
Maximum range2,150 km1,336 mi · 1,161 nmiDF-21D anti-ship variant: 1,450–1,550 km per U.S. reports cited by CSISMed[1]
Payload600 kg1,323 lbMed[1]
Warhead250 or 500 kT nuclear, or conventional high-explosiveMed[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
DF-21 nuclearStrategic/theater nuclear delivery
Med[1]
Range
2,150 km1,336 mi · 1,161 nmi
Payload
600 kg
Warhead
250 or 500 kT nuclear
DF-21 conventionalConventional strike
Med[1]
Range
2,150 km1,336 mi · 1,161 nmi
Warhead
Conventional high-explosive
DF-21DAnti-ship ballistic missile
Med[1]
Range
1,450–1,550 km901–963 mi · 783–837 nmi
Warhead
Conventional

Range per U.S. reports cited by CSIS

Summary

Two-stage solid-propellant, road-mobile medium-range ballistic missile with nuclear and conventional variants, including the DF-21D anti-ship variant.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
ChinaSaudi Arabia
Sources
  1. DF-21 (CSS-5), CSIS Missile Defense Project
    Published/updated 2024-04-23 · Tier 2 · checked 2026-10-03
Change log
  • 2026-10-03 Initial draft entry from cited open sources
  • 2026-10-03 Added payload options and capabilities
  • 2026-10-04 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)