This Enemy Missile and Its Three Warhead Payload Has a Range of 9,321 Miles

Today, we’re covering some of the world’s most powerful weapons in a time that is ripe with international conflict.

We all know the nuclear threat in the world continues to escalate. Just last year, North Korea claimed it tested an advanced solid-fueled ballistic missile. And we couldn’t go without mentioning the current war between Ukraine and Russia is teeming with missiles.

By reviewing information from the Arms Control Association, an organization dedicated to arms control, 24/7 Wall St. determined how far the world’s most powerful missiles can traverse. They incorporated only those with ranges of at least 5,600 km. Data was also sourced from the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Federation of American Scientists.

Why We Are Covering This Topic

It is vital for the U.S. military to know how their defense strategies compare to those of other countries, particularly when it comes to adversaries. As tensions rise between Russia and U.S.-backed Ukraine and conflict mounts in the Middle East, practical Americans are increasingly concerned with the United States’ ability to protect itself. Missiles are an essential part of defense planning for America and globally.

These are the most powerful missiles that can travel long distances.

18. M51.1

• Operator: France
• Range: 3,728+ miles
• Warhead: Nuclear, 100 kT each
• Payload: 6-10 MIRV
• Basing: Submarine-based
• Size: 52.9 tons, 39.4 feet long

17. RSM-50 Volna

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 4,039-4,971 miles
• Warhead: MIRV
• Payload: Four warheads
• Basing: Submarine-based
• Size: 40.3 tons, 48.6 feet long

16. Julang (JL) 2

• Operator: China
• Range: 4,350+ miles
• Warhead: 200-300 kT each
• Payload: Single warhead
• Basing: Submarine-based
• Size: N/A

15. D-5 Trident II

• Operator: United States, United Kingdom
• Range: 4,598-7,456 miles
• Warhead: W76 100 kT or W88 475 kT
• Payload: Up to 8 MIRV Mk 4 or Mk 5 warheads
• Basing: Submarine-based
• Size: 65.1 tons, 44.0 feet long

14. SS-N-8

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 4,971 miles
• Warhead: 0.6-1.5 MT
• Payload: Single warhead
• Basing: Submarine-based
• Size: 33.3 tons, 42.7 feet long

13. RSM-56 Bulava

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 5,157 miles
• Warhead: Nuclear, 100-150 kT
• Payload: Up to 10 MIRVs, 1,150 kg
• Basing: Submarine-based
• Size: 40.6 tons, 39.7 feet long

12. RSM-54 Sineva

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 5,157 miles
• Warhead: MIRV
• Payload: Four warheads
• Basing: Submarine-based
• Size: 40.3 tons, 48.6 feet long

11. Minuteman III

• Operator: United States
• Range: 5,996-8,078 miles
• Warhead: W78 at 335 kT, W87 at 300 kT nuclear
• Payload: Up to 3 Mk 12A;
• Basing: Silo-based
• Size: 38.0 tons, 59.7 feet long

10. RS-18

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 6,214 miles
• Warhead: Six MIRV, 3,355 kg
• Payload: Nuclear, 500-600 kT
• Basing: Silo-based
• Size: 116.4 tons, 79.7 feet long

9. SS-24

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 6,214 miles
• Warhead: MIRV, 550 kT
• Payload: 10 MIRV
• Basing: Silo-based, railcar-based
• Size: 104.5 tons, 76.8 feet long

8. RS-20V

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 6,338-9,942 miles
• Warhead: Nuclear, 500-750 kT
• Payload: Single warhead
• Basing: Silo-based
• Size: 210.5 tons, 112.5 feet long

7. RS-24 Yars

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 6,524 miles
• Warhead: Nuclear, 150-200 kT
• Payload: Three MIRV warheads
• Basing: Road-mobile, silo-based
• Size: 54.7 tons, 73.8 feet long

6. RS-12M Topol

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 6,524-6,835 miles
• Warhead: Nuclear, 550-800 kT
• Payload: Single warhead
• Basing: Road-mobile
• Size: 12.1 tons, 67.3 feet long

5. RS-12M1 Topol-M

• Operator: Russia
• Range: 6,835 miles
• Warhead: Nuclear 500 kT
• Payload: Single warhead
• Basing: Road-mobile, silo-based
• Size: 51.8 tons, 71.9 feet long

4. DF-31A

• Operator: China
• Range: 6,835+ miles
• Warhead: 200-300 kT each
• Payload: Single warhead
• Basing: Silo-based
• Size: N/A

3. DF-5

• Operator: China
• Range: 7,456 miles
• Warhead: 200-300 kT each
• Payload: Double warhead
• Basing: Silo-based
• Size: N/A

2. DF-5B

• Operator: China
• Range: 7,456 miles
• Warhead: 200-300 kT each
• Payload: Three Warheads
• Basing: Silo-based
• Size: N/A

1. DF-41

• Operator: China
• Range: 7,456-9,321 miles
• Warhead: 200-300 kT each
• Payload: Three Warheads
• Basing: Silo-based
• Size: N/A