China’s Second Artillery Has a New Missile

M20/DF-12 launcher

The DF-12 has reported capabilities that could further challenge Taiwan’s air-defense systems 

China’s missile buildup across the Taiwan Strait appears to be continuing apace, with reports appearing in Chinese media late last week that the Second Artillery Corps is now equipped with high-precision Dong Feng-12 (DF-12) short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM).

According to online reports and photographs (which includes official Chinese publications), the DF-12 is a re-designation of the M20 tactical SRBM, which China first unveiled at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in February 2011. The re-designation would confirm that the M20 is now fielded with the Second Artillery Corps, which operates China’s strategic nuclear forces and missile arsenal.

My article, published today in The Diplomat, continues here.