The DongFeng 15

The DongFeng 15 (Export name: M-9; NATO codename: CSS-6)

The DongFeng 15 (Export name: M-9; NATO codename: CSS-6) is a solid-fuel, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) system developed by CASC China Academy of Rocket Motor Technology (ARMT, also known as 4th Space Academy). The missile became famous during the 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis when the PLA launched several missiles as a warning to Taiwan’s independent trend. It is the only non-nuclear missile in service with the PLA Second Artillery Corps (strategic missile force). The improved variants DongFeng 15B and DongFeng 15C were spotted in service with the PLA recently.

DongFeng-15 specifications:

Official name: DongFeng 15 (DF-15)

Export name: M-9

NATO reporting name: CSS-6

Contractor: CASIC 4th Academy

Service status: In service

Configuration: Single-stage (DF-15) or two-stage (DF-15B, DF-15C), solid propellant

Deployment: Road mobile, 6X6 tractor truck + six-wheel trailer; or silo

Length: 9.1m (DF-15)

Diameter: 1.0m

Launch weight: 6,200kg

Warhead: 500kg HE

Range: 600km (DF-15)

Guidance: Inertial + GPS

Accuracy: CEP 150~500m; or 30~50m on the later variants

Launch preparation time: 15~30 min