China's state broadcaster CCTV has for the first time publicly shown the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile without its transport canister, as the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force prepares to mark its 60th anniversary on July 1.
The footage revealed the missile in its bare metallic green form, ready for launch, consisting of three cylindrical sections: a white-painted warhead section, a second-stage body, and a first-stage booster.
The DF-26, dubbed "Guam Express" for its ability to strike the second island chain, was first unveiled during the 2015 Victory Day parade. The missile weighs about 20 tonnes and has a maximum range of 5,000 kilometres.
Military analysts describe the DF-26 as the most versatile weapon in the Rocket Force's strategic arsenal. While intercontinental missiles such as the DF-31, DF-5 and DF-41 are primarily for strategic deterrence, the DF-26 is considered the premier weapon for conventional strategic strikes.
The missile features a dual-capable warhead design, able to carry either nuclear or conventional warheads. It is capable of rapid nuclear counterstrikes and precision conventional strikes at medium-to-long range. It can also target moving maritime targets including aircraft carrier battle groups, and can suppress US military bases around Guam.
