Top 10 Longest-Range Missiles in the World (2025 Update)
Missiles with very long range are among the most strategically important weapons in modern arsenals. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) that can travel 10,000-20,000 kilometers (or more) enable countries to project power globally, serve as deterrents, and shape geopolitical landscapes. Below is an updated list of the Top 10 missiles by range today, along with detailed descriptions, technical features, and importance.
What Counts as “Longest-Range”
When we talk about missile range, there are a few caveats:
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Nominal Range vs. Maximum Range: Listed range often depends on the payload size. Heavier payloads reduce range.
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Launch Platform: Silo-based, mobile land launchers, submarine-launched, etc., affect strategic deployment.
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Warhead & Guidance: Missiles with MIRVs (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) or advanced guidance may have trade-offs.
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Type of Missile: ICBMs and SLBMs typically have the longest ranges; cruise missiles rarely approach the same distances.
Top 10 Longest-Range Missiles in the World
Here are the most powerful, longest-range missiles known to be in service or confirmed development, as of 2025.
| Rank | Missile Name | Country | Approximate Maximum Range | Key Features & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | RS-28 Sarmat (Satan II) | Russia | ~ 18,000 km | Super-heavy ICBM, liquid-fuel, multiple warheads or hypersonic glide units, capable of targeting nearly any location globally. |
| 2. | R-36M (SS-18 “Satan”) | Russia | ~ 16,000 km | One of the cold war era giants, with very large payload capacity; still forms part of strategic deterrent. |
| 3. | Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) | China | ~ 12,000-15,000 km | Road-mobile solid-fuel ICBM, MIRV capable, designed for rapid deployment and survivability. |
| 4. | Hwasong-17 | North Korea | ~ 13,000 km (with reduced payload) | Large ICBM, plausible threat to reach distant targets; exact payload/range trade-offs matter. |
| 5. | Trident II (D5) | United States/UK | ~ 12,000 km | Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM); part of the sea leg of nuclear triads; mobile and stealthy launch platform. |
| 6. | R-29RMU “Sineva” / R-29RMU2.1 “Layner” | Russia | ~ 11,500 km | SLBM launched from submarines; good for second-strike capability; improved versions enhance accuracy and MIRV layout. |
| 7. | DF-31 / DF-31A | China | ~ 11,000-11,200 km | Road-mobile ICBMs; less massive than DF-41 but still among the longest-ranged weapons in China’s missile forces. |
| 8. | RT-2UTTKh Topol-M | Russia | ~ 11,000 km | Mobile ICBM, designed to evade detection and enhance survivability through mobility. |
| 9. | Minuteman III (LGM-30G) | United States | ~ 10,000 km | Land-based ICBM with a long service history, periodically upgraded; accuracy and reliability remain important. |
| 10. | M51 (SLBM) | France | ~ 10,000 km | Deployed on French ballistic missile submarines; secure sea-based deterrent with strong range and payload flexibility. |
Check also: Top 10 Fastest Missiles in the World
Detailed Breakdowns
Here are more detailed looks at some of the key missiles, what makes them stand out, and their strategic importance.
RS-28 Sarmat (Russia)
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This is Russia’s modern super-heavy ICBM, sometimes referred to in media as “Satan II.”
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It uses a three-stage liquid rocket design. The missile is very large and capable of carrying multiple warheads or hypersonic glide vehicles.
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Its extreme range (~18,000 km) means it can hit virtually any point in the world from Russian territory, either via the North Pole or South Pole.
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Advanced guidance systems and countermeasures help it evade missile defenses and improve accuracy.
R-36M (SS-18 “Satan”)
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An older design, but still relevant due to its payload capacity and proven reliability.
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Because of its size, it can deliver large warheads.
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Its intercontinental range (~16,000 km) makes it one of the longest-range weapons operational.
Dongfeng-41 (China)
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One of the newer generation of Chinese solid-fuel road-mobile ICBMs.
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Mobility helps increase survivability—harder to preemptively destroy.
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Multiple warhead options make it more flexible in threat scenarios.
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Range estimates vary depending on the load; maximum posted range falls between ~12,000 and ~15,000 km.
Trident II (D5)
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Sea-launched from submarines, which gives a stealth and survivability advantage.
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Often deployed on ballistic missile submarines as part of nuclear triad systems.
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Because of water launch capability, submarines can be positioned nearer to target areas, reducing flight time and detection risk.
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Payload and guidance have been refined in many versions.
Others: Sineva / Layner, DF-31A, Topol-M, Minuteman III, M51
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These missiles fill various roles: second-strike, mobile deterrent, submarine-based nuclear deterrent.
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Many are upgraded over time—improved accuracy, better MIRV capacities, enhanced guidance, reduced payload weight for greater range.
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Countries like Russia, China, France, and the USA retain varied missile types to ensure strategic flexibility.
Why Long Range Matters
Long-range missiles matter for several strategic and tactical reasons:
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Deterrence
If an adversary knows that any point in their territory can be reached, it increases the cost of aggression. -
Second-Strike Capability
Submarine launches and mobile launchers protect weapons from being destroyed in the first attack. -
Global Reach & Political Leverage
Ability to target distant locations gives geopolitical sway and military flexibility. -
Strategic Depth
Provides options to launch via different routes (over poles, over oceans) to avoid missile defense systems. -
Payload Trade-offs
Longer range often comes at the cost of heavier payloads or fewer warheads unless the missile is highly optimized.
Current Trends & Developments
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Increased focus on hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) to ride missile defense systems.
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More mobility: road-mobile and submarine-launched systems to reduce vulnerability.
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MIRV technology is being refined for accuracy and multiple targets.
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Improved accuracy and reduced Circular Error Probable (CEP) to make long-range strikes usable even with smaller warheads.
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Advancements in solid versus liquid fuel; solid fuel often allows faster reaction times, but sometimes at cost of range or payload.
Comparison of Top 10 Longest-Range Missiles
To help compare, here is a summary:
| Missile | Country | Type | Launch Platform | Approx Max Range | Notes on Payload / Warheads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-28 Sarmat | Russia | ICBM | Silo | ~ 18,000 km | Heavy payload, multiple or HGV options |
| R-36M (SS-18) | Russia | ICBM | Silo | ~ 16,000 km | Large warhead capacity |
| Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) | China | ICBM | Mobile | ~ 12,000-15,000 km | MIRV capable |
| Hwasong-17 | North Korea | ICBM | Mobile | ~ 13,000 km (less payload) | Under various operational constraints |
| Trident II (D5) | USA/UK | SLBM | Submarine | ~ 12,000 km | Submarine-launched, stealthy delivery |
| R-29RMU / Layner | Russia | SLBM | Submarine | ~ 11,500 km | Sea-based second-strike |
| DF-31 / DF-31A | China | ICBM | Mobile | ~ 11,000-11,200 km | Flexibility and deployment options |
| RT-2UTTKh Topol-M | Russia | ICBM | Mobile/Silo | ~ 11,000 km | Mobility gives survivability |
| Minuteman III (LGM-30G) | USA | ICBM | Silo | ~ 10,000 km | Older missile, upgraded over decades |
| M51 | France | SLBM | Submarine | ~ 10,000 km | Strong sea-based nuclear deterrent |
Challenges & Considerations
While long range is impressive, such missiles face operational, technical, and strategic challenges:
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Cost: Developing, maintaining, and securing long-range missile forces is extremely expensive.
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Arms Control & Treaties: Many long-range missile systems are restricted by treaties, inspections, or political pressure.
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Accuracy at Max Range: At extreme distances, guidance errors, atmospheric issues, or warhead decoupling reduce effectiveness.
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Vulnerabilities: While silo or submarine launch platforms protect, missiles must survive inspections, enemy first strikes, and maintain readiness.
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Political Implications: Possessing very long-range missiles draws international attention; can lead to arms races or increased geopolitical tension.
Future Outlook
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More countries will invest in longer range ICBMs or SLBMs with better survivability.
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Enhanced hypersonic technology will be integrated with ICBMs, possibly reducing detection and interception.
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Advances in miniaturization may allow heavier payloads or more warheads without compromising range.
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Focus on missile defense systems will increase in response; long-range missile design will incorporate stealth, decoys, and trajectory alterations.
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Globally, there’s likely to be a mix of competition (for strategic advantage) and restraint (from treaties or mutual defense concerns).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the missile with the absolute longest range in the world?
The RS-28 Sarmat from Russia is currently understood to have the longest approximate range, around 18,000 kilometers, allowing it to reach nearly anywhere on Earth from Russian territory.
Q2: Are all long-range missiles nuclear weapons?
No, not necessarily. Many long-range missiles are designed to carry nuclear warheads due to their strategic role, but it’s technically possible to equip them with conventional warheads. Effectiveness, however, can be very different when using conventional warheads at extreme range.
Q3: What does MIRV mean and why is it important for long-range missiles?
MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle. This means a single missile carries multiple warheads, each capable of striking different targets. It increases the destructive potential and complicates missile defense because each warhead can approach from different trajectories.
Q4: How does range affect missile accuracy?
Generally, longer range means more variables (atmospheric conditions, trajectory, reentry heating, navigation errors), which can reduce accuracy. Advances in guidance systems, navigation (e.g., satellite navigation), and reentry technology help offset these limitations.
Q5: Can missile range be increased by reducing payload?
Yes. There is often a trade-off between payload weight (warheads, fuel, structural mass) and maximum range. If you reduce the payload (lighter warheads, less payload mass), the missile can travel further.
Conclusion
The top longest range missiles are not just feats of engineering; they are central to national security and global power dynamics. From Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat to China’s DF-41, each of these weapons represent strategic deterrence, second-strike capability, and the ability to threaten across continents.
For anyone interested in military tech, geopolitics, or defense strategy, keeping up with missile capabilities—especially range, accuracy, mobility, and survivability—is essential. As technology advances, these systems will keep evolving, with longer ranges, more precise guidance, and more flexible deployment options.
