DF-12 (M20)

Originally designed for export, the DF-12 (M20) is a single-stage, solid-fueled ballistic missile with an advertised range of 280 km.¹ The missile was first offered for sale in 2011 and entered service with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in 2013. Domestic variants of the missile are estimated to reach ranges over 400km. ²

Development

The DF-12 was built for export by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation’s (CASIC) 9^th Academy and was first revealed at the 10^th International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in 2011. Videos shown at the event indicate that the weapon had been flight tested prior to that date.³

Following its debut, CASIC exhibited the M20 at several international defense exhibitions, including IDEX and the Zhuhai Air Show. In 2017, Belarus exhibited a domestically-assembled variant of the M20 for its ‘Polonaise’ MLRS at the MILEX arms exhibition.⁴ CASIC then displayed the missile at the Kazakhstan Defense Exhibition in 2018 and in Minsk in 2019.⁵

CASIC displayed two new variants of the DF-12 at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2018: The M20A and M20B. Described as a “high-precision” variant, the M20A appears to have an optical sensor for terminal guidance. The M20B is an anti-ship variant.⁶

Specifications

Reaching a maximum altitude of 50km, the DF-12 is reportedly capable of maneuvering in flight, performing a pull-up maneuver before the terminal phase. Using GPS and inertial guidance, the missile is accurate to a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 30m, though other reports suggest a 50m CEP.⁷

According to CASIC, two DF-12s are carried on each wheeled transporter-erector-launcher (TEL). Each TEL can be readied for launch within ten minutes. A typical M20 battalion consists of 1 command vehicle, 1 support vehicle, 9 TELs, and 9 loading vehicles.⁸

The DF-12s produced for domestic use could possess a much longer range. Like Russia’s Iskander-E, the DF-12 export variant appears to deliberately stop short of exceeding the 300km/500kg range and payload threshold mandated by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), an agreement to limit exports of advanced missile technologies. However, units intended for domestic use are not limited by MTCR requirements. Much as Russia’s domestic Iskander variant—the Iskander-M—possesses a much longer range than its export version, DF12s intended for domestic service may have ranges greater than 420 km.⁹

Service History

The DF-12 entered service with China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force in August 2013. Qatar is the only other known operator of the missile, which it first displayed publicly at its National Day celebrations in December 2017.¹⁰