What You Need to Know: China’s increased production of the so-called “carrier killer” DF-26B marks a significant shift in the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) aims to counter US naval power with more than 250 DF-26 medium-range ballistic missiles reportedly deployed.

Known for its ability to target US carriers and ground assets at a range of -3,100 miles, the DF-26B can carry 1,200-1,800 kg of nuclear or conventional warheads.

-The range and maneuverability of the system creates great deterrence; because China could potentially deploy hundreds of these missiles to challenge US aircraft carriers and regional security dynamics.

China Increases Production of DF-26 Carrier Killer Missiles

Beijing is increasing production of the DF-26B (Dong Feng-26) road-mobile, two-stage solid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile, and according to recent reports, the People’s Liberation Army Swinging Force (PLARF) may have developed this missile. More than 250 are in service.

International military analyst firm Janes reportedUmbra synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images taken at 1045L on 9 September 2024 show 59 DF-26 medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM) carrier-mounted-launchers (TELs) parked at a new staging area in Xinghang, Beijing Electromechanical Equipment Factory.”

Janes also warned that “the number of TELs set in 2024 could be as much as two full 36 TEL brigades.”

Findings are consistent with those of the US Department of Defense (DoD) reportThe report, titled “Nuclear Challenges; Growing Capabilities of Strategic and Regional Competitors” published earlier this year, warned that the PLAF continues to expand its medium-range missile stockpile.

DF-26: China’s Carrier Killer

The DF-26 was developed to perform precision strikes on surface targets both on land and at sea, primarily on United States Navy aircraft carriers. While the mobile launcher can carry a nuclear or conventional warhead weighing between 1,200 and 1,800 kg, the missiles produced by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) with a range exceeding 3,100 miles are described as: a “carrier killer” Because of its potential to take out a Nimitz or Gerald R. Ford class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It also earned the equally ominous nickname of the “Guam Express” because it could be used to eliminate US military assets on the island territory.

As reported by Brandon J. Weichert “China’s DF-26B is the primary ASBM system that China has,” he wrote for The National Interest earlier this month, and Beijing “could mass produce these systems and deploy them to the front lines of the Indo-Pacific in any military conflict with the Americans.” ” relatively short order.

A Lucky Attack – An Unthinkable Scenario

Given the vastness of the Indo-Pacific, China would only need to be lucky once to sink an aircraft carrier, but with the DF-26B and other missiles it could have 400 to 500 chances. These don’t bode well for flattops in the US.

“Undoubtedly, in a war at sea, the PLA would be more than happy to trade a missile (or several) costing around US$20 million each for a destroyer if it had the inventory to do so,” said former US Navy submarine commander Tom Shugart. “Replacing a new one will cost billions of dollars,” he said. he told EurasianTimes.

In April 2022, the Russian Navy learned a costly lesson: Land-launched launches can sink a warship, especially a guided missile frigate, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet. Moscow. The United States Navy faces an even more serious threat with the DF-26B, a literal carrier killer.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a writer based in Michigan. it exists contributed To more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites, with more than 3,200 published articles during his two-decade journalism career. He writes regularly about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics and international relations. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Customs Clearance Works. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: (email protected).

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