China Field Tests Dongfeng-31A Ballistic Missile In Extreme Weather Conditions

The Dongfeng-31A transcontinental ballistic missile of China’s PLA Rocket Force is reported to have undergone field training in extremely cold weather conditions, China Military Online reported quoting a CCTV video report.

According to the chief of staff of a missile brigade under the PLA Rocket Force, the field training this time is to adapt to the most complicated and difficult wartime conditions.

Du Wenlong from the PLA Academy of Military Science was quoted as saying by China Military Online that this training has two major breakthroughs.

First, the training was carried out in the field rather than a training base, which is completely different from the previous training models that were subject to extreme weather conditions.

Many missiles of the PLA Rocket Force are in closed structure and require specific temperature, humidity and other conditions, otherwise the missiles' technical status would change and they wouldn't be able to accomplish tasks. Whether the personnel and equipment can carry out normal work, training and war preparedness in extreme conditions is a huge test for the troops.

Second, the training was carried out in a remote location instead of a nearby one in order to test the support capability in extreme conditions.

"These are tremendous and all-round tests for the equipment and the troops," Du Wenlong added.

The report added that the training of Dongfeng-31A will yield positive results in terms of real combat capability.