The DF-11 (Dong Feng-11 / M-11 / CSS-7) is a Chinese short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of up to 600 km. It was the PRC’s first conventionally-armed SRBM, and its export version, the M-11, is thought to be the basis for Pakistan’s Ghaznavi missiles, among others.¹

DF-11 Development

China began development of the M-11 – the DF-11’s predecessor – in 1984, as part of its “M” missile family produced specifically for export. The M-11 was likely developed as a competitive export and indigenous alternative to the Soviet R-17 (SS-1 ‘Scud B’). The Chinese missile initially evolved as a solid-fueled version of the liquid-fueled Scud, and benefits from significantly reduced launch preparation times associated with solid-fueled systems.²

China Sanjiang Space Group, previously called Base 066, led the research and development of the M-11.³ The group, an affiliate of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) Third Academy, had previously developed boosters for smaller tactical missiles, and began the export-oriented program amid growing funding pressures. The missile was slightly altered, flight tested in 1990, and re-designated as the DF-11 after it entered service with the PLA Second Artillery Corps in 1992.⁴

DF-11 Specifications

The DF-11 is 7.5 m long, 0.8 m in diameter, and weighs roughly 3,800 kg at launch. It can deliver a payload of 500 kg over a maximum distance of 300 km.⁵ The missile uses an inertial guidance system to achieve estimated accuracies of 600 m circular error probable (CEP). The DF-11 was initially developed with a conventional high-explosive warhead for export, but variants in service with the PLA may employ a 2/10/20 kt nuclear, fuel-air explosive (FAE), chemical, or submunition warhead. Four small control fins are located at the rear of its warhead section; it is unclear whether they are stabilizers or if they move and provide terminal control after warhead separation.⁶ The missile is launched from a four-axle wheeled transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) based on the Wanshan WS2400 chassis. The DF-11 system is thought to require 30 minutes to prepare for launch.⁷

DF-11A (CSS-7 Mod 2)

A lengthened, improved variant of the DF-11, the DF-11A offers an increased range, larger payload, and improved accuracy. Development began in 1993, and its existence was first reported in 1998. The DF-11A measures 8.5 m long and weighs approximately 4,200 kg. It can carry a 500 kg payload over a reported range of 500 – 600 km.⁸ The missile features an inertial navigation/satellite guidance system and can reach accuracies of 150-200 m CEP. Unconfirmed reports suggest that an optical correlation terminal guidance system was later fitted, which could further improve accuracy to 20-30 m CEP. China first flight tested the DF-11A in 1997, and the missile entered service with the China People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Second Artillery Corps in 1999.⁹

DF-11AZT

The DF-11AZT is a variant of the DF-11A thought to feature an earth-penetrating warhead. Images of the system were first broadcast by Chinese state media in 2016; it reportedly entered service some time before 2013.¹⁰

Service History

The DF-11 entered service with the PLA Second Artillery Corps (now PLA Rocket Force) in 1992. By 1996, four DF-11 equipped missile brigades deployed in Jiangshan (Zhejiang Province), Yungan and Xianyou (Fujian Province), and Meizhou (Guangdong Province).¹¹ In 2009, a U.S. Department of Defense report stated that China had 700-750 operational missiles and 120-140 launchers.¹² The same report notes that China had between 1,050 to 1,150 DF-11 and DF-15 SRBMs deployed opposite Taiwan, at locations which offer strikes times of 6-8 minutes.¹³

As of 2017, China has approximately 108 DF-11A missiles deployed across four brigades.¹⁴

Sales to Pakistan and Iran

In November 1992, China sold 34 M-11 missiles to Pakistan. Satellite images showed missile canisters were delivered at Sargodha air base near Lahore.¹⁵

The Chinese government initially denied these allegations, accusing U.S. intelligence agencies of fabricating evidence of the transfer. The United States reimposed economic sanctions in response.¹⁶ After Beijing provided a more explicit commitment to adhere to Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines and to stop exporting missiles, the Clinton Administration lifted sanctions in 1994.¹⁷

Although China pledged not to transfer missiles to Pakistan, it reportedly continued to assist Pakistan in developing its own indigenous missile capability.¹⁸ In 1992, China attempted to sell to Iran 500 DF-11 missiles. However, the deal was terminated due to U.S. pressure.¹⁹