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DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missiles in Tiananmen Square during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on 3 September. Source: AP/PA
One of the surprising revelations from Chinese television announcers during the 3 September military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War was that the newly revealed DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) may have an anti-ship variant.
In addition to conducting "nuclear counterattack" missions, the DF-26 could also attack "medium-size ships at sea" as part of "conventional long-range precision strike", said the announcer.
As the DF-26's estimated range is 3,000-4,000 km, this missile might enable the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to target US Navy formations in the "Second Island Chain" or out to Guam.
The parade announcer's indication that it could target "medium-size ships" may mean the missile is accurate enough to attack destroyer-size ships in addition to aircraft carriers.
The DF-26 could therefore be regarded as a second-generation anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) in addition to the DF-21D, which was also revealed on 3 September for the first time. The DF-21D has an estimated range of 1,700 km.
The DF-26's appearance in the 3 September parade indicates that it is a deployed system. The television announcer's mention of an anti-ship version could mean this variant is also deployed.
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DF-26 IRBM may have ASM variant, China reveals at 3 September parade - IHS Jane's 360
