The "Dongfeng" Family Upgrade Never Stops: Dongfeng-61 Has Been Equipped with the Rocket Force

Today marks the 66th anniversary of the successful launch of China's first short-range ground-to-ground missile, the "Dongfeng-1." With the successful foundation laid by the Dongfeng-1, the Dongfeng family has continuously upgraded and never stopped. On September 3, 2025, during the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the new land-based intercontinental missile Dongfeng-61 made its public debut in the strategic strike group nuclear missile formation. Today, the Dongfeng-61 has been commissioned into the Rocket Force.

Military commentator Shao Yongling: The Dongfeng-61's transition from public debut to regular training has progressed much faster than the traditional intercontinental missile combat capability generation cycle.

Firstly, this indicates that it has completed development, finalization, trial assembly, and reliability verification before its debut, demonstrating a high level of technological maturity.

Secondly, it reflects the mature equipment support and training system of the Rocket Force. The Dongfeng-61 is compatible with existing command, communication, and support links, relying on the Rocket Force's long-accumulated experience in intercontinental missile training, allowing the troops to quickly familiarize themselves with the new equipment after commissioning, thereby compressing the combat capability generation cycle. This reflects the significant achievements of the Rocket Force's construction of "nuclear and conventional capabilities combined, deterrence across all domains" after reforms.

The Dongfeng-61's regular training means it has entered practical training for field mobility, position changes, and launch procedures. China's land-based nuclear counterstrike capability has been iteratively strengthened, enhancing its mobility, survivability, and penetration strike capabilities.

66 years ago, the "1059" launched from the Gobi Desert in Jiuquan flew 554 kilometers; 66 years later, its descendants have grown into strategic heavyweights capable of intercontinental reach.

Military commentator Shao Yongling: Although the Dongfeng-1 was merely a prototype with limited range and not deployed to combat units, it occupies a foundational and enlightening position in the history of China's missile and defense technology, serving as the logical starting point for China's strategic missile endeavors. More importantly, it completed the original accumulation of core elements. This system of talent, facilities, and institutional frameworks directly supported the "Eight Years, Four Missiles" plan, paving the way for the independent development of the Dongfeng-2, the integration of the two missiles, and breakthroughs in intercontinental and sea-based missiles.