November 5, 1960
9:02 AM
Missile code-named “1059”
Soared into the sky
About 8 minutes later
The news of successfully hitting the target came
This missile
Is our first domestically produced surface-to-surface missile
Its successful launch
Is an important turning point in the history of our military equipment
From this day on
The history of China not having missiles ended
The successful launch of Dongfeng-1
Later
The “1059” missile
Was officially named “Dongfeng-1”
“Dongfeng” originates from
Chairman Mao's famous assertion about the international situation
“The east wind prevails over the west wind”
And like the meaning of the name
The “Dongfeng-1” missile
Is also a “pride missile”
The successful launch went through a very difficult and tortuous process
“I made a military pledge, if there are problems, then my head will be on the line”
In 1960
Faced with the huge controversy over “whether domestically produced liquid oxygen can be used”
Liang Shoupan did not blindly follow authority
But picked up a slide rule and a chemistry manual
Calculating through the night
This 44-year-old chief designer said
“If there are problems due to using domestically produced liquid oxygen,
I take full responsibility, kill my head!”
He argued based on reason
The trace impurities in several tons of liquid oxygen
Could not possibly concentrate and explode simultaneously
It was this scientific confidence
That convinced the decision-makers
On November 5, 1960
The “Dongfeng-1” using domestically produced liquid oxygen
Soared into the sky
The launch was a complete success
Marshal Nie Rongzhen
Later said with relief
“Even if it fails, it won't cost you your head
We still need you to contribute to the country”
The “Dongfeng family” shakes the world
Today
The “Dongfeng family” continues to grow
Becoming a symbol of our nuclear deterrent force
In 1984, during the 35th anniversary parade of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Dongfeng-3, Dongfeng-4, and Dongfeng-5 made a majestic appearance, unveiling the mystery of the “Dongfeng family” for the first time.
In 1999, during the 50th anniversary parade of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Dongfeng-11, Dongfeng-15, Dongfeng-21, and Dongfeng-31 missile formation made a grand appearance. The debut of the Dongfeng-31 missile was breathtaking.
In 2009, during the 60th anniversary parade of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Dongfeng-31A ballistic missile made its debut. Additionally, Dongfeng-11A, Dongfeng-15B, and Dongfeng-21C were all present.
In 2015, during the 70th anniversary parade commemorating the victory of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, the improved Dongfeng-5B, Dongfeng-16, Dongfeng-21D, and Dongfeng-26 made their first appearance.
In 2019, during the 70th anniversary parade of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the conventional missile Dongfeng-17 and the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental missile made their debut, shocking the world.
In 2025, at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, the Dongfeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, the new Dongfeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile, and the Dongfeng-5C liquid intercontinental strategic nuclear missile will make their debut, with the Dongfeng-5C's strike range covering the globe, shocking the world.
66 years ago
A “pride missile”
Rose with the “Dongfeng”
66 years later
The Dongfeng is mighty
Shaking the world
Blessings
To the “Dongfeng family”
(Source: China Military Number)
On November 5, 1960, the Chinese military successfully launched the Dongfeng-1 missile, marking a pivotal moment in China's military history as it was the first domestically produced surface-to-surface missile. This event concluded China's previous lack of missile capabilities and initiated the development of the Dongfeng missile family, which has become a cornerstone of China's nuclear deterrent. The launch was the result of rigorous scientific efforts and commitment from military engineers.
- The Dongfeng-1 missile was successfully launched on November 5, 1960.
- This missile marked a significant milestone in China's military history as its first domestically produced surface-to-surface missile.
- The launch was a result of extensive scientific research and development efforts by Chinese engineers.
- The Dongfeng missile family has since become a symbol of China's nuclear deterrent capabilities.
- The successful launch ended China's previous history of not having missiles.