DF-31AG

   The DF-31AG is a new Chinese Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). First images of this missile system appeared in 2013. It was reportedly tested in 2015 and was first publicly revealed in 2017. This system was previously refereed as the DF-31B, however it appeared that its official name is the DF-31AG. It made its public debut during a major military parade marking the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army. A total of 16 DF-31AG launchers with missiles were publicly presented during this parade. Such appearance of numerous missiles indicates that the DF-31AG is already in service with Second Artillery Corps, that are de facto strategic missile forces of Chinese army. Currently it is among the deadliest ICBMs in the world.

   The DF-31AG is a modified and upgraded version of the DF-31A. The previous DF-31A missile is silo based, while its road-mobile version is based on a semi-trailer. On the other hand the new DF-31AG is based on an 8-axle launcher vehicle and is more mobile. This feature widens its deployment options and thus increases survivability. In concept the DF-31AG is similar to Russian road-mobile ICBMs such as Topol and Yars.

   The DF-31AG is a solid-fuel missile. It has three stages. This missile has a range of 11 200 km and can reach all areas of United States, Europe and Russia.

   While the older DF-31A carries a single warhead, the new DF-31AG reportedly carries multiple independently-targetable warheads (MIRVs). There is a version of the DF-31, that carries 3 MIRVs with 20, 90, or 150 kT blast yield capacity each. Furthermore the DF-31AG has longer range and improved survivability.

   Missile has internal navigation system with indigenous Chinese BeiDou satellite navigation system. Some sources suggest that it has an accuracy of 150 meters, or is even more accurate.

   This missile carries decoys in order to overcome missile defense systems.

   Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicle is based on 8-axle Taian special wheeled chassis. The TEL vehicle has some degree of cross-country mobility, though it is mainly intended to operate on hard surface roads. Vehicle has autonomy on roads of around 500 km.

   Once on high alert the road-mobile DF-31AG missiles can leave their bases and operate in remote areas. Its autonomy allows the vehicle to operate undetected in an area equivalent to a small European country. Such mobile missiles are typically harder to intercept than stationary silo-based missiles. As a result these have a high probability of surviving the first strike once the country has been attacked.

   Even though the DF-31AG is among the deadliest ICMBs in the world, China also developed a much more capable missile, called the DF-41. It is based on a similar 8-axle launcher vehicle, however the DF-41 is much larger and heavier, thus it can carry more payload. Some sources report that the DF-41 was fielded in 2016 or 2017.