D
Missile ForcesChina

DF-3 (Dongfeng 3)

Intermediate-range ballistic missileFielded 1971Pending verification

Also known as: CSS-2, East Wind-3

Missile ForcesCHN
Missile length 24 m
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeIntermediate-range ballistic missile
Alternative designationsCSS-2, East Wind-3
Date of introduction1971
ProliferationAt least 3 countries
ManufacturerPeople’s Republic of ChinaMed[1]
BasingGroundMed[1]
GuidanceInertialMed[1]
Accuracy (CEP)1,000 - 4,000 mMed[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length24 m79 ftMed[1]
Diameter2.25 m7 ftMed[1]
Launch weight64,000 kg141,096 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
PropulsionSingle (YF-2A); Liquid (UDMH / AK-27S)Med[1]
Payload and range
Maximum range3,100 km1,926 mi · 1,674 nmiMed[1]
Warhead optionsUp to 3; HE, Nuclear, or 3 separating reentry vehicles (RVs)Med[1]
Nuclear yieldA minimum of 50 kT per warhead, up to 3 (some estimates are up to 700kT)Med[1]
Conventional warhead weight2,000 kgMed[1]
Payload: warhead typeUp to 3Med[1]
Payload: warhead optionsHE, Nuclear, or 3 separating reentry vehicles (RVs)Med[1]
Payload: nuclear yieldA minimum of 50 kT per warhead, up to 3 (some estimates are up to 700kT)Med[1]
Payload: conventional warhead weight2,000 kgMed[1]
Payload: conventional warheads availableHEMed[1]
Variants
DF-3AThe DF-3A is an upgraded variant of the DF-3 that became operational in August 1988. Like the DF-3, the DF-3A lacks significant road-mobile capabilities however it is deployed using a towed launcher.[1]
Summary

Designed to be China’s first modern missile, the Dongfeng 3 (DF-3/CSS-2) Chinese Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) has a range of up to 3,100 km and was deemed operational in 1971. The silo-based, single-stage, MRBM uses liquid propellant and an inertial guidance system.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
ChinaSaudi Arabia
Sources
  1. DF-3 (Dongfeng 3) Chinese Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import