The Most Advanced Weapon on Earth, Ranked

Choose the weapon you think is the most advanced!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 06:19
The development and advancement of weaponry have always played pivotal roles in shaping both historical and modern conflicts. By evaluating the most advanced weapons, one gains insight into the current capabilities and technological frontiers of military defense and offense. Such insights are essential not only for defense professionals and strategists but also for citizens aiming to better understand geopolitics and security. This live ranking invites your participation to cast votes on what you consider the most formidable and cutting-edge weapons today. The collective input helps create a dynamic and updated list reflecting public perception and awareness. Whether you're an enthusiast, a scholar, or just curious, your votes contribute to a broader understanding of which technologies might be shaping tomorrow's defense landscape.

What Is the Most Advanced Weapon on Earth?

  1. 1
    44
    votes
    B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber
    United States Air Force · Public domain

    B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

    Northrop Grumman
    The B-2 Spirit is a stealth bomber that is capable of penetrating sophisticated anti-aircraft defenses undetected. It is highly advanced and can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.
    The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber is a highly advanced and strategic long-range bomber aircraft primarily used by the United States Air Force. It is characterized by its sleek, black design and its ability to evade radar detection, making it a highly effective stealth aircraft. The B-2 Spirit was developed by Northrop Grumman, an American aerospace and defense company.
    • First Flight: July 17, 1989
    • Length: 69 feet (21.0 meters)
    • Wingspan: 172 feet (52.4 meters)
    • Max Speed: 630 mph (1,010 km/h)
    • Range: 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km)
  2. 2
    32
    votes

    Raptor F-22 Fighter Jet

    Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
    The Raptor F-22 fighter jet is a highly advanced aircraft that can operate in all weather conditions and is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously. It has advanced stealth capability and can carry a variety of weapons.
    The Raptor F-22 Fighter Jet is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine air superiority and multi-role fighter aircraft. It is designed to perform various missions including ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence.
    • First Flight: 7 September 1997
    • Introduction: 15 December 2005
    • Length: 62.1 feet (18.9 meters)
    • Wingspan: 44.5 feet (13.6 meters)
    • Height: 16.7 feet (5.1 meters)
  3. 3
    30
    votes

    Virginia-class Submarine

    General Dynamics Electric Boat
    The Virginia-class submarine is one of the most advanced submarines in the world. It is highly stealthy and can operate in shallow waters as well as deep sea. It is equipped with advanced weapons systems and sensors.
    The Virginia-class Submarine is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines that are used by the United States Navy. It is considered one of the most advanced submarines on Earth, known for its stealth, firepower, and versatile capabilities.
    • Length: 377 feet (114.8 meters)
    • Beam: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
    • Draft: 32 feet (9.8 meters)
    • Displacement: 7,800 tons (submerged)
    • Speed: 25+ knots (submerged)
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    The Zumwalt-class destroyer is the most advanced destroyer in the world. It is highly stealthy and has advanced weapons and electronics systems. It is also equipped with a railgun, which is a highly advanced weapon.
    The Zumwalt-class Destroyer is a class of guided missile destroyers that are considered one of the most advanced battleships in the world. It is designed to provide multi-mission capabilities in surface warfare, anti-air, and naval gunfire support.
    • Length: 610 feet (186 meters)
    • Beam: 80.7 feet (24.6 meters)
    • Displacement: 15,994 tons (full load)
    • Propulsion: Integrated Electric Propulsion
    • Speed: 30+ knots (56+ km/h)
    Zumwalt-class Destroyer in other rankings
  5. 5
    19
    votes

    Laser Weapon System

    The United States Navy
    The Laser Weapon System is an advanced weapon that uses directed energy to destroy targets. It is highly effective against drones and other small targets.
    The Laser Weapon System (LaWS) is a cutting-edge directed-energy weapon capable of producing a concentrated beam of energy in the form of a laser. It is designed to engage and disable targets at various ranges with incredible precision and speed.
    • Power Output: Up to 30 kilowatts
    • Range: Multiple kilometers
    • Target Speed: In excess of 300 miles per hour
    • Engagement Time: Seconds
    • Deployment: Ship-based
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    The THAAD missile defense system is an advanced system that is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles. It is highly effective and has been successfully tested many times.
    The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) Missile Defense System is a highly advanced and integrated missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight.
    • Intercept Range: Up to 200 km
    • Intercept Altitude: Up to 150 km
    • Radar: AN/TPY-2 X-band radar
    • Speed of Interceptor: Mach 8.24 (10,150 km/h)
    • Number of Interceptors: Up to 72 missiles per battery
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    X-47B Drone
    US Navy · Public domain

    X-47B Drone

    Northrop Grumman
    The X-47B drone is an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle that is capable of autonomous flight. It is highly advanced and can operate in all weather conditions.
    The X-47B Drone is an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) developed by Northrop Grumman as part of the U.S. Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) program. It is designed to operate from aircraft carriers, capable of autonomous takeoff and landing, and is considered one of the most advanced weapon systems on Earth.
    • Length: 11.6 meters
    • Wingspan: 18.9 meters
    • Height: 3.2 meters
    • Empty Weight: 6,350 kg
    • Max Takeoff Weight: 18,100 kg
  8. 8
    14
    votes
    The Railgun is a highly advanced weapon that uses electromagnetic energy to fire projectiles at extremely high speeds. It is highly effective and has a range of over 100 miles.
    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
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    The Iron Dome missile defense system is an advanced system that is designed to intercept and destroy incoming rockets and missiles. It is highly effective and has saved many lives.
    The Iron Dome Missile Defense System is an advanced air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries. It is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells targeting populated areas in real-time.
    • Type: Missile defense system
    • Country of Origin: Israel
    • Target Range: 4-70 kilometers
    • Maximum Altitude: 32 kilometers
    • Interceptor Missiles: Tamir interceptors
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    AK-12 Assault Rifle

    Kalashnikov Concern
    The AK-12 assault rifle is the most advanced rifle in the world. It is highly accurate and reliable and is capable of firing a variety of ammunition. It is also equipped with advanced electronics systems.
    The AK-12 Assault Rifle is a modernized version of the famous AK-47 assault rifle, designed to improve upon its predecessor's reliability, accuracy, and versatility while retaining its iconic features. It incorporates advanced materials and technology to deliver superior performance on the battlefield.
    • Caliber: 5.45×39mm
    • Rate of Fire: 600 rounds per minute
    • Effective Range: 500 meters
    • Barrel Length: 415 mm
    • Weight: 3.3 kg (without magazine)

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Ranking factors for advanced weapon

  1. Technology sophistication
    A weapon's advancement can be determined by the level of technology used in its design, production, and operation. This includes cutting-edge materials, electronics, and software systems that allow for improved precision, targeting, stealth, or maneuverability.
  2. Lethality and destructive power
    The ability of a weapon to cause maximum damage to its intended target is a critical factor. This may involve assessing the weapon's firepower, range, payload capacity, and the efficiency of its delivery systems.
  3. Precision and accuracy
    The ability to strike a target with minimal collateral damage is an essential attribute of an advanced weapon. This usually involves evaluating the weapon's guidance and tracking systems, as well as its ability to discriminate between targets in complex environments.
  4. Versatility and multi-mission capability
    Advanced weapons should be able to perform well in various roles and target environments. This may involve adaptability in terms of targeting different types of targets or operating in various geographical locations and weather conditions.
  5. Stealth and survivability
    The ability of a weapon to remain undetected and avoid enemy countermeasures is crucial for an advanced weapon system. This can include factors such as radar cross-section reduction, infrared signature reduction, and electronic warfare capabilities.
  6. Rapid deployment and response time
    The ability to quickly deliver a weapon to its target and achieve desired military objectives is a critical factor. This can involve evaluating logistical factors, such as transportability, ease of use, and the weapon's overall readiness for deployment.
  7. Interoperability and network integration
    Advanced weapons should be able to efficiently integrate with existing and future military systems, including communications, reconnaissance, and other weapons platforms. This can enhance their overall effectiveness and contribute to the success of joint military operations.
  8. Cost-effectiveness
    The procurement, maintenance, and lifecycle costs of a weapon system should be weighed against its effectiveness and military advantages. Advanced weapons should offer superior capabilities while being economically viable for defense budgets.
  9. Reliability and maintainability
    A weapon's performance should be consistent, and it should be easy to maintain in the field. Inadequate maintenance can reduce equipment readiness and increase the likelihood of mission failure.
  10. Scalability and future growth potential
    Advanced weapon systems should be designed with the ability to adapt to future advancements in technology and accommodate improvements to maintain their competitive edge. This may involve modular designs, software upgrades, or other forms of system expansion.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 2830 views
  • 194 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most advanced weapon on earth

The topic of advanced weaponry is a contentious one, with many countries investing heavily in developing high-tech weapons to maintain their military superiority. From laser-guided missiles to drones, there are numerous examples of advanced weaponry being used in modern warfare. However, one weapon that stands out as the most advanced is the railgun. Using magnetic fields to accelerate projectiles to incredible speeds, railguns have the potential to revolutionize warfare. With the ability to hit targets from long distances and penetrate even the toughest armor, railguns are a game-changer in modern warfare. However, their development is still ongoing, and it remains to be seen how they will be utilized in the future.

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