DF-61 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Makes Debut at Victory Day Parade

Beijing, September 2, 2025 - China’s latest land-based intercontinental ballistic missile, designated DF-61, was unveiled Monday evening during rehearsals for the 80th anniversary Victory Day parade, marking its first public appearance in the nuclear missile first echelon of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force display.

The DF-61 rolled through Tiananmen Square alongside the “Jinglei-1” air-launched long-range missile, the “Julang-3” submarine-launched ICBM, and the upgraded DF-31 road-mobile ICBM, showcasing the PLA’s tri-domain strategic nuclear force-land, sea, and air. State media reports noted that the DF-61 may be equipped with an electromagnetic pulse warhead, potentially enabling precision non-nuclear strikes and targeted system disruption, though official details remain limited.

Analysts view the DF-61’s debut as a strategic signal of China’s advancing deterrent capabilities and a demonstration of its commitment to modernizing its long-range strike arsenal. The missile’s appearance caps a series of high-profile weapons introductions leading up to Tuesday’s commemorative parade, which will feature prominent leaders and foreign dignitaries paying tribute to China’s role in World War II.