CASC (China Aerospace Science & Technology)

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is China's state-owned prime contractor for space launch vehicles and ballistic/cruise missiles. Responsible for the DF (Dongfeng) ICBM series — the backbone of China's nuclear deterrent — including DF-41 (road-mobile ICBM, 15,000 km range), DF-5B (silo-based), DF-17 (hypersonic glide vehicle), and DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile (the world's first operational ASBM). CASC also produces long-range cruise missiles and manages China's Long March rocket family. With 180,000+ employees, CASC is central to China's strategic deterrence and space programs.