The Most Advanced Missile, Ranked

Choose the missile you think is the most advanced!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:16
In an age where global security dynamics are swiftly changing, understanding the technological advancements in missile technology can provide key insights into national defense capabilities and strategies. This knowledge not only helps in assessing current security measures but also in predicting future military trends. By ranking these sophisticated technologies, experts and enthusiasts alike can gauge which innovations are setting the standards in defense systems. The interactive ranking system allows users to share their opinions and vote on what they believe are the most advanced missiles. This collective input helps create a more accurate and community-driven ranking. Whether you're a defense expert, a technology student, or simply a curious observer, your votes play a crucial role in shaping the outcome and enhancing the understanding of these powerful inventions.

What Is the Most Advanced Missile?

  1. 1
    69
    votes
    It is a hypersonic cruise missile which can travel at a speed of Mach 7. It is jointly developed by India and Russia.
    The BrahMos II is a cutting-edge supersonic cruise missile.
    • Speed: Mach 7+
    • Range: up to 600 km
    • Weight: 2.5 tons
    • Warhead: Up to 300 kg
    • Guidance System: Advanced GPS/INS with terminal active radar homing
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    It is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by China. It has a range of 12,000-15,000 km and can carry multiple nuclear warheads.
    The DF-41 is a highly advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by China that is designed for strategic deterrence.
    • Length: ≥16.5 meters
    • Diameter: 2.78 meters
    • Weight: ≥60,000 kg
    • Range: 12,000-15,000 km
    • Speed: Mach 25 (31,000 km/h)
  3. 3
    12
    votes
    It is a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile which can carry up to 16 nuclear warheads. It has a range of 10,000 km.
    The RS-28 Sarmat is a liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and one of the most advanced strategic weapons developed by Russia. It is designed to replace the aging RS-36M missiles, codenamed Satan by NATO.
    • Length: 35 meters (115 ft)
    • Type: Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
    • Origin: Russia
    • Manufacturer: Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau
    • Operational Range: 10,000+ km (6,200+ mi)
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    It is an air-to-air missile developed by Russia. It has a range of 400 km and can target high-altitude targets.
    The R-37M is an advanced medium-to-long range air-to-air missile primarily designed for engaging airborne targets at extended distances. It belongs to the family of guided missile systems developed by Russia.
    • Length: 4.2 meters
    • Weight: 610 kilograms
    • Diameter: 380 millimeters
    • Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation or nuclear
    • Maximum Speed: Mach 6 (7,350 km/h)
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    It is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile developed by the United States. It has a range of 1,600 km and can carry a variety of payloads.
    The Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile used for precision strikes against specific targets. It is primarily employed by the United States military.
    • Type: Land-attack cruise missile
    • Length: 6.25 meters
    • Diameter: 0.52 meters
    • Weight: 1,220 kilograms
    • Speed: Mach 0.74 (900 km/h)
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    AGM-158 JASSM
    U.S. Air Force · Public domain
    It is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed by the United States. It has a range of 1,000 km and can carry a 450 kg warhead.
    The AGM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) is an advanced long-range, precision-guided cruise missile designed to strike high-value, fixed, and relocatable targets with pinpoint accuracy. It features stealth capabilities to penetrate enemy air defenses, ensuring the element of surprise.
    • Type: Long-range, precision-guided cruise missile
    • Range: Approximately 230 miles (370 km)
    • Speed: Subsonic (High subsonic capability)
    • Stealth: Low observable, reduces radar cross-section
    • Warhead: 1,000-pound (450 kg) class penetrating blast fragmentation
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    AIM-9X Sidewinder
    David Monniaux · CC BY-SA 3.0

    AIM-9X Sidewinder

    Raytheon Missile Systems
    It is a short-range air-to-air missile developed by the United States. It has a range of 22 km and can be launched from aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
    The AIM-9X Sidewinder is an advanced air-to-air missile designed for aerial combat effectiveness. It is a short-range, infrared-guided missile primarily used by fighter aircraft.
    • Length: 9 ft 11 in (3.02 m)
    • Diameter: 5 in (12.7 cm)
    • Weight: 190 lb (87 kg)
    • Warhead: High-explosive fragmenting warhead
    • Range: Up to 22 miles (35 km)
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    It is a ship-launched missile developed by the United States. It is used to intercept ballistic missiles in mid-course.
    The RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) is a surface-to-air missile designed to intercept and destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It is primarily used for missile defense purposes.
    • Length: 6.55 meters
    • Diameter: 34.3 centimeters
    • Weight: 1,500 kilograms
    • Speed: Mach 2.5+
    • Range: 700+ kilometers
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    It is a missile used by the United States to destroy enemy air defenses. It has a range of 150 km and can be launched from aircraft.
    The AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) is an advanced air-to-ground missile designed to suppress and destroy enemy air defenses by neutralizing their radar systems. It is an upgrade of the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) and is jointly developed by the United States Navy and Italy's Ministry of Defense.
    • Length: 4.17 meters
    • Diameter: 25 centimeters
    • Speed: Mach 2.5
    • Weight: 360 kilograms
    • Guidance System: Passive Radar Homing
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    It is a rocket artillery system developed by the United States. It can launch up to 12 rockets at a time and has a range of 300 km.
    The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a highly advanced self-propelled multiple rocket launcher system. It is designed to provide fast and accurate long-range artillery support to ground forces in various combat scenarios.
    • Range: 32-43 miles (51-69 km)
    • Payload: 12 rockets or 2 missiles
    • Speed: 40 mph (64 km/h)
    • Crew: 3 (commander, driver, gunner)
    • Weight: 55,000 lbs (25,000 kg)

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Ranking factors for advanced missile

  1. Range
    The maximum distance a missile can travel and still be effective in achieving its intended purpose. This can have a significant impact on the missile's strategic importance and operational capabilities.
  2. Accuracy
    The missile's ability to hit its target with precision, which can determine the likelihood of successfully completing its intended mission. High accuracy is essential for reducing collateral damage and increasing effectiveness.
  3. Payload
    The type and amount of explosive or warhead a missile can carry, which has a direct impact on the degree of damage it can cause upon impact. Missiles with larger payloads are generally more destructive.
  4. Speed
    The velocity at which a missile travels towards its target. Faster missiles are harder to intercept and can cover longer distances more quickly, making them more effective in various combat scenarios.
  5. Guidance Systems
    The technology used to direct the missile towards its target. This includes GPS, inertial guidance systems, or radar systems. More advanced guidance systems ensure better targeting and accuracy.
  6. Stealth capabilities
    The ability of a missile to avoid detection and interception by enemy defenses. This can include low observable designs, radar-absorbing materials, and advanced electronic countermeasures.
  7. Offensive and defensive capabilities
    Some missiles can serve both offensive and defensive purposes, which is a critical aspect when considering their overall effectiveness.
  8. Deployment flexibility
    The ease with which a missile can be deployed from various platforms, such as ground-based launchers, aircraft, or naval vessels.
  9. Reliability
    The overall success rate of the missile in accomplishing its objectives without malfunctioning or failure.
  10. Cost-effectiveness
    The cost of developing, producing, and maintaining a missile system compared to its overall effectiveness and strategic value.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 1836 views
  • 184 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most advanced missile

Missiles have come a long way since their inception during World War II. Today, they are highly advanced and sophisticated tools that play a crucial role in modern warfare. With advancements in technology and engineering, missiles have become faster, more accurate, and more deadly than ever before. The most advanced missiles are capable of traveling at hypersonic speeds, navigating complex terrain, and evading enemy defenses. These missiles have become an essential component of modern defense strategies, and their development and deployment are closely monitored by governments around the world. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most advanced missiles currently in use and explore their features and capabilities.

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