The Most Advanced Military Technology, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the military technology you think is the most advanced!

Updated on May 6, 2024 06:16

Assessing the progression of military technology offers critical insights into how nations maintain security and establish peace. By tracking these advancements, analysts can better understand global stability trends and the dynamics of international power. This aids policymakers, experts, and enthusiasts in making informed decisions and contributions to the field of security and defense. This site serves as a dynamic arena where users can cast votes on a variety of cutting-edge military technologies. Each vote helps to shape a live ranking, reflecting current public opinion and interest in these technologies. The collective input provides a unique perspective on what technologies are viewed as most influential or potentially transformative in the field of defense.

What Is the Most Advanced Military Technology?

1

71
votes
U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes · Public domain

F-35 Lightning II

Lockheed Martin

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with advanced stealth capabilities, advanced avionics and sensor technology, and advanced weapons systems.
The F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters designed for ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions. It is the result of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, which aimed to develop a cost-effective and highly capable aircraft for multiple branches of the military.

Top Speed: 1,200 mph (1,930 km/h, Mach 1.6)

Range: 1,350 miles (2,220 km)

Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)

Unit Cost: $77.9 million - $101.3 million (depending on the variant)

Armament: Gun, missiles, and bombs (internal and external)
F-35 Lightning II in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced fifth-generation fighter
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced planes
- Position 1 of 10 in Most overrated plane
- Position 1 of 10 in Most difficult plane to fly
- Position 7 of 10 in Most advanced plane in War Thunder
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20
votes
(U.S. Navy photo courtesy of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works/Released) 151207-N-ZZ999-435 · Public domain

Zumwalt-class destroyer

The Zumwalt-class destroyer is a class of guided missile destroyers designed for multi-mission roles, including naval surface fire support, anti-aircraft warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. It features advanced radar technology and stealth capabilities.
The Zumwalt-class destroyer is the most advanced class of stealth guided missile destroyers in the United States Navy. It is designed for multi-mission capabilities, including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and naval fire support. The destroyer possesses advanced technologies that provide it with superior firepower, endurance, and survivability on the battlefield.

Length: 610 ft (186 m)

Beam: 88.6 ft (27 m)

Draft: 27.6 ft (8.4 m)

Displacement: 15,995 tons (full load)

Speed: 30+ knots
Zumwalt-class destroyer in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced destroyer
3

22
votes
Railgun

A railgun is an advanced weapon that uses electromagnetic forces to launch projectiles at high speeds. It has the potential to be highly accurate and effective against a variety of targets.
The Railgun is an advanced electromagnetic weapon that uses a pair of parallel conductive rails to accelerate a projectile using magnetic fields. It utilizes electromagnetic forces to achieve high velocity and range, making it one of the most advanced military technologies.

Type: Electromagnetic weapon

Projectile: Kinetic energy penetrator

Caliber: Various, typically between 5 to 32 mm

Muzzle Velocity: Approximately Mach 6 to Mach 7

Range: Over 200 kilometers
4

24
votes
X-47B

The X-47B is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed for carrier-based operations. It features advanced autonomous technology and can carry a variety of weapons.
The X-47B is an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) designed for carrier-based operations. It is one of the most advanced military drones, specifically built for autonomous missions and capable of executing both reconnaissance and strike missions.

Wingspan: 62 feet

Length: 38 feet

Height: 10 feet

Maximum Speed: Mach 0.9

Range: 2,100 nautical miles
5

12
votes
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson · Public domain

MQ-9 Reaper

The MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed for reconnaissance and strike missions. It features advanced sensors and weapons systems, and can operate at high altitudes and in harsh environments.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a cutting-edge military drone developed primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It is also capable of carrying out precise strikes on ground targets. With its advanced capabilities, the MQ-9 Reaper has become a crucial asset in modern warfare.

Wingspan: 20 meters

Length: 10.97 meters

Maximum Altitude: 15,240 meters

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 4,760 kilograms

Cruise Speed: 370 km/h
MQ-9 Reaper in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced military drone
6

15
votes
CHAMP

The CHAMP (Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project) is an advanced missile that uses high-powered microwaves to disable electronics. It has the potential to be highly effective against a variety of targets, including enemy missile systems.
The Counter-electronics High-power Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP) is an advanced military technology designed to neutralize electronic systems in targeted areas. It is a non-lethal weapon that uses high-power microwave technology to generate electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) capable of disrupting or disabling electronic equipment without causing physical damage.

Type: Non-lethal EMP weapon

Range: Over 700 km

Payload: High-power microwave source

Effect: Disrupt or disable electronic systems

Target: Specific areas with electronic infrastructure
7

15
votes
High Energy Laser

High energy lasers are advanced weapons that use concentrated beams of light to destroy targets. They have the potential to be highly effective against a variety of targets, including enemy missiles, aircraft, and ground vehicles.
The High Energy Laser (HEL) is a cutting-edge military technology that uses directed energy to create a highly focused laser beam capable of destroying or disabling targets. It is primarily designed for anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems.

Power output: Ranges from a few kilowatts to multiple megawatts

Range: Typically several kilometers

Accuracy: Sub-millimeter precision

Rapid response time: Can engage targets in milliseconds

Adaptive optics: Compensates for atmospheric disturbances to maintain accuracy
8

9
votes
Israel Defense Forces · CC BY 2.0

Iron Dome

The Iron Dome is an advanced missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming rockets and artillery shells. It features advanced radar and tracking technology, and has been highly effective in combat.
The Iron Dome is an advanced anti-missile system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells aimed at populated areas. It is an integral part of Israel's multilayered defense system.

Function: Intercepting and destroying short-range rockets and artillery shells

Country of Origin: Israel

Year of First Deployment: 2011

Range: Up to 70 kilometers

Intercept Altitude: Up to 10 kilometers
9

3
votes
Strategic Automated Command and Control System

The Strategic Automated Command and Control System (SACCS) is an advanced command and control system used by the United States military to manage its nuclear weapons arsenal. It features advanced encryption and authentication technology, and can operate in a variety of environments.
The Strategic Automated Command and Control System (SACCS) is a highly advanced military technology used for centralized command and control of strategic nuclear forces. It serves as a critical component in ensuring the security, integrity, and effective execution of nuclear operations.

Functionality: Enables real-time monitoring, coordination, and control of strategic nuclear forces.

Communication: Utilizes secure and encrypted communication channels for seamless connectivity with nuclear assets.

Command Hierarchy: Supports a hierarchical structure for command authority, allowing effective delegation of operational responsibilities.

Fail-Safe Mechanisms: Incorporates robust fail-safe mechanisms to maintain operational stability and prevent unauthorized or accidental launch of weapons.

Redundancy: Implements redundant systems to ensure uninterrupted command and control capabilities even in the event of system failures or attacks.
10

10
votes
DARPA

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is an advanced research agency within the United States Department of Defense. It is responsible for developing advanced technologies for military use, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced weapons systems.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for military applications. It aims to maintain technological superiority of the U.S. military by advancing the frontiers of science and technology.

Research Focus: DARPA focuses on a wide range of research areas, including artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, robotics, hypersonic weapons, autonomous systems, advanced materials, and more.

Project Funding: DARPA has an annual budget of approximately $3.5 billion to fund various research projects.

Innovation Catalyst: DARPA acts as a catalyst for innovation by collaborating with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies.

Risk-Taking Approach: DARPA is known for its risk-taking approach, encouraging bold and unconventional ideas to fuel technological breakthroughs.

Technology Demonstrations: DARPA conducts technology demonstrations to showcase the feasibility and potential military impact of its projects.

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Discussion

Ranking factors for advanced military technology

Effectiveness

How well does the technology perform its intended function? The ability to achieve objectives and successfully carry out missions are important when evaluating military technology.
Range and accuracy

These factors determine how far away the technology can be used effectively and how precise it is in achieving its purpose. Longer range and high accuracy are generally desirable for military technologies.
Speed and mobility

How fast is the technology? Military technology needs to be quick to respond, move, and keep up with dynamic situations on the battlefield. Mobility also plays a key role, especially for ground and air-based technologies that need to navigate varying terrains and altitudes.
Stealth and security

Technologies that are harder to detect or neutralize by the enemy are generally considered more advanced. This can include measures such as stealth technology, jamming capabilities, and cyber protection measures.
Interoperability

Advanced military technology should be able to work seamlessly with other systems and platforms, both within the same military force and with allied forces.
Reliability and durability

Advanced technology should be reliable and able to withstand harsh conditions and extended use on the battlefield.
Cost-effectiveness

While cost isn't the only factor to consider, advanced military technology should be worth the investment and deliver effective results for the funds allocated to its development, acquisition, and maintenance.
Innovation and uniqueness

Advanced military technology often brings new and innovative solutions to challenges faced by armed forces. The degree of innovation and cutting-edge technology employed can also be a factor in its ranking.
Scalability and adaptability

Advanced technologies should be scalable and adaptable to different situations and environments, allowing for flexibility in applying the technology to various mission requirements.
Integration of AI and advanced sensor systems

Modern military technologies often incorporate artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and data fusion capabilities, which improve their overall effectiveness and can be considered as markers of advanced technological development.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most advanced military technology. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or technology is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1830 views
201 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each technology once every 24 hours. The rank of each technology is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most advanced military technology

Military technology has always been at the forefront of innovation and progress. From ancient times to the present day, countries have been in a constant race to develop the most advanced military technology. The most advanced military technology is typically characterized by its ability to provide an edge in battle, enhance intelligence capabilities, improve logistics, and minimize casualties. Today, the most advanced military technologies include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), stealth technology, cyber warfare, and advanced weaponry, among others. These technologies are designed to provide superior situational awareness, intelligence gathering, and precision targeting capabilities, making them an essential part of modern military operations. As technology continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see even more advanced military technologies emerge in the future.