In an era marked by technological advancements, the development of supersonic missiles has become a crucial aspect of military prowess. These missiles, designed for speed, precision, and range, represent cutting-edge innovations in the field of defense. Among them, the Avangard, DF-41, Trident 2, Minuteman 3, and RS-28 Sarmat stand out as the fastest and most formidable.
Why does speed matter for missiles?
Speed is a critical factor for missiles due to several key reasons. Firstly, high speeds enhance a missile’s ability to evade enemy defenses, making interception extremely challenging. The faster a missile travels, the less time an adversary has to react, increasing the likelihood of successful target penetration. Additionally, high speeds contribute to the missile’s range and responsiveness, allowing for rapid deployment and engagement.
List of the 5 fastest missiles in the world
The 5 fastest missiles in the world are Avangard, DF-41, Trident 2, Minuteman 3, and RS-28 Sarmat.
1. Avangard: Revolutionizing Hypersonic Technology
Watch the Russian MoD video of the Avangard
The Avangard missile has earned its reputation as a game-changer in hypersonic technology. Developed by Russia, the Avangard is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 27, or 32,200 kilometers per hour. During a speech in March 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin described it as one of the six “next generation” weapons.
What sets it apart is its ability to perform rapid maneuvers, making interception nearly impossible. The Avangard’s incredible speed and agility ensure it can deliver its payload with unparalleled precision.
In 2019, Russia installed its first Avangard-equipped missile.
Key features
Origin- Russia
Alternative name: Project 4202, Yu-74
Class: Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV)
Range: >6000km
Warhead: Nuclear 2MT option
Status: In service
2. DF-41: China’s Swift Strategic Deterrent
China’s Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) is a ballistic missile that has captured the attention of military analysts worldwide. With a reported top speed of Mach 25, or approximately 30,600 kilometers per hour, the DF-41 is among the fastest missiles in China’s arsenal.
Its impressive range and ability to carry multiple warheads make it a formidable strategic deterrent.
Key features
Origin- China
Alternative names: Dong Feng-41, CSS-X-20
Class: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Length: 20-22m
Payload: 2,500 kg
Warhead: up to 10 nuclear warheads, MIRV
Range: 12,000-15,000 km
Status: In service
3. Trident 2: Unmatched Submarine-launched Precision
The Trident 2, an integral part of the United States’ naval defense, is a submarine-launched ballistic missile renowned for its exceptional speed and accuracy.
Capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 24, or around 29,654 kilometers per hour, the Trident 2 serves as a key component of the U.S. Navy’s sea-based nuclear deterrent.
Key features
Origin- United States
Class: Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)
Length: 13.42
Payload: 2,800 kg
Warhead: Up to 8 MIRV Mk 4 or Mk 5 warheads
Range: Minimum 2,000 km, Maximum 12,000 km
Status: In service (1990-present)
4. Minuteman 3: America’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
The Minuteman 3, another stalwart of the United States’ ballistic missile arsenal, boasts impressive speed and range.
With a maximum speed of approximately Mach 23, or 28,200 kilometers per hour, the Minuteman 3 serves as a crucial element of America’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities, providing rapid and precise response capabilities.
Key features
Origin- United States
Class: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Length: 18.2m
Payload: Up to 3 Mk 12A; 1 Mk 21 RV with penetration aids
Warhead: W78 at 335 kT, W87 at 300 kT nuclear
Range: 13,000 km
Status: Operational
5. RS-28 Sarmat: Russia’s Heavyweight Hypersonic Missile
Watch the Russian MoD video of the RS-28 Sarmat
The RS-28 Sarmat, often referred to as “Satan 2,” is a heavyweight among hypersonic missiles developed by Russia. While its exact speed is classified, estimates suggest it surpasses Mach 20.4, or 25,500 kilometers per hour.
Designed to carry a variety of warheads and penetrate any existing or prospective missile defense systems, the RS-28 Sarmat represents a formidable advancement in Russia’s military capabilities. With a maximum range of up to 18,000km, RS-28 Sarmat is the longest range missile in the world.
Key features
Origin- Russia
Class: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Length: 35.3m
Payload: 10,000 kg
Warhead: Nuclear, MIRV or glide vehicles
Range: 10,000-18,000 km
Status: Operational
Summary of the 5 fastest missiles in the world
The 5 fastest missiles in the world in 2024 are
1.Avangard – Mach 27 ( 32,200 km/h)
2. DF-41- Mach 25 (30,600 km/h)
3. Trident 2- Mach 24 ( 29,654 km/h)
4. Minuteman 3 – Mach 23 (28,200 km/h)
5. RS-28 Sarmat – Mach 20.64 ( 25,500 km/h)
In conclusion, the development of these five missiles—Avangard, DF-41, Trident 2, Minuteman 3, and RS-28 Sarmat—underscores the ongoing race among global powers to achieve unmatched speed, precision, and strategic advantage in missile technology. As these supersonic marvels continue to redefine the landscape of modern warfare, the need for international cooperation and arms control becomes increasingly imperative to maintain global stability.
FAQs
What is China’s fastest missile?
Ans: Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) is China’s fastest missile. It’s maximum speed is Mach 25, or approximately 30,600 kilometers per hour.
What’s the fastest missile in the world?
Ans: Russia’s Avangard is the fastest missile in the world. This hypersonic missile is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 27, or 32,200 kilometers per hour.
Sources
- “What is the Fastest Missile in the World and How Much Does Speed Really Matter?” sputnikglobe.com. Accessed 18 Nov. 2023.
- “DF-41 (Dong Feng-41 / CSS-X-20).” missilethreat.csis.org. Accessed 18 Nov. 2023.
You missed Agni V in your list
Yes Agni easily surpasses RS-28 Sarmat
Seems someone forgot to mention the SS-22N sunburn anti-ship missile