World · East Asia & Pacific · 5 hrs ago
China's DF-61 missile reaches routine training faster than earlier ICBMs
China’s newest land-based intercontinental missile, the DF-61, has entered routine military training.
State broadcaster CCTV says this happened much faster than it did for earlier intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The missile made its public debut at a military parade in Beijing in September 2025.
Shao Yongling, a former researcher with the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, said its move into training was faster than the traditional cycle for developing missile combat capability.
The pace raises questions about how efficiently China is integrating new missiles into its nuclear forces.
The account does not say what happens next or give further details about the missile’s deployment.
China’s DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile has reached routine military training faster than earlier ICBMs, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The missile made its public debut at a military parade in Beijing in September 2025.
Shao Yongling, a former researcher with the PLA Rocket Force, described its progression as far faster than the cycle for traditional intercontinental missiles.
The development raises questions about whether the People’s Liberation Army is becoming more efficient at integrating strategic missiles into its nuclear forces.
- Who
- China’s People’s Liberation Army and its DF-61 missile.
- What
- The DF-61 has progressed to routine military training faster than earlier intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- When
- It was publicly unveiled in September 2025 and had reached routine training by the time of the report. The exact date is not stated.
- Where
- It debuted at a military parade in Beijing. The location of routine training is not stated.
- Why
- The report raises the question of whether the PLA is becoming more efficient at integrating new strategic missiles into its nuclear forces.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The DF-61 made its public debut at a military parade in Beijing.
The missile had progressed to routine military training, according to CCTV.
- Missile
- DF-61
- Type
- Land-based intercontinental ballistic missile
- Public debut
- September 2025, Beijing
- Training status
- Routine military training
- Source of assessment
- State broadcaster CCTV
What people are saying
far faster than the combat capability generation cycle of traditional intercontinental missiles