NEW POSSIBLE CSS-3 ICBM SITE, CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T01782R000300020001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 27, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 1, 1980
• Content Type: REPORT

l..Osry sislysis report
New Possible CSS-3 ICBM Site, China (8)
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Z-20157/80
IAN-A294/80
OCTOBER 1980
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NEW POSSIBLE CSS-3 ICBM SITE, CHINA (S)
I. (S/D) A new surface-to-surface missile (SSM)-associated facility-possibly a CSS-3
ICBM rollout, erect-to-launch site, Tongdao Possible SSM Launch Site, China (BE
has been identified under construction at 26-12-ION 109-49-20E, approximately 7
kilometers (knm) southwest of the CSS-3 silo, Tongdao SSM Launch Site
Extensive camouflage netting covers most of the narrow, steep-walled valley in which the site is
being constructed.
2. (S/D) Eight known launch sites are associated with the CSS-3 ICBM system. Two
operational elevate-to-launch silos are in central China. These silos are Sundian SSM Launch Site
I ( and Tongdao. Six rollout, erect-to-launch sites are in west China. Four of these
sites at Delingha I through 4 were in the late
stages of construction. The two sites at Da Qaidam were
externally complete.
3. (S/D) The new possible site consists of four caves (three probable and one possible) in
various stages of construction, a water reservoir, construction support structures, and concrete
drainage conduits (Figure 1). A bridge and a new site access road were under construction. A
permanent housing and support area is approximately 400 meters northwest of the construction
area. A buried communications cable connects the possible launch site to the Tongdao SSM
facilities.
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5. (S/D) The possible launch
(Figure 2). On
area, construction activity had not
(Figure 3). Imagery of
since Figure I).
site was identified in the midstage of construction on
the most current previous imagery of the Tongdao
begun at the caves and the housing and support area
revealed no significant changes or construction progress
6. (S/D) The determination that this construction activity is a possible CSS-3 rollout, erect-
to-launch site was predicated on the following analysis. The cable connecting this area to the
Tongdao SSM communications system establishes the SSM association. The Chinese sensitivity to
the observation of this activity, illustrated by the extensive netting, is analogous to prior ICBM
launch site construction in central China. The proximity to CSS-3 facilities indicates a similar
WNlNTEL
1-20157/80
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lA R-A294/80
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system association. The single CSS-3 silo deployed at Tongdao has more than sufficient
operational support facilities, increasing the likelihood of this being a launch site. Finally, the lack
of' evidence that silo construction is underway indicates that this facility is a possible rollout, erect-
to-launch site since the CSS-3 is only deployed in these two types of sites.
(SAD) All applicable satellite imagery acquired from
the preparation of this report.
S Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They may he directed to
Asian Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
1-20157/80 SECRET
IAR-A294180
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